What is our stance against Pakistan?

The stance of the United States towards Pakistan is complex and has evolved over recent years, influenced by several key factors:

Reduced Importance

Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan's importance in U.S. foreign policy calculations has significantly diminished. The U.S. has shifted its focus towards other conflict zones and priorities, such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Taiwan, and has strengthened its strategic partnership with India to counterbalance China in the Indo-Pacific region23.

Security and Counterterrorism

The U.S. continues to engage with Pakistan on security and counterterrorism issues, particularly in the context of Afghanistan and the region. However, this engagement is now more limited and transactional. The U.S. military-to-military relationship with Pakistan remains, with a focus on over-the-horizon counterterrorism in Afghanistan3.

Economic and Military Aid

Under previous administrations, including Trump's first term, the U.S. has reduced economic and military aid to Pakistan. Trump cut $1.3 billion in security assistance to Pakistan in his first term, and there are indications that similar reductions could occur in his new term, particularly if he takes a hardline stance on the Taliban and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan23.

Human Rights and Democracy

The U.S. has expressed concerns about Pakistan's democratic stability and human rights. However, the Biden administration's response to these issues has been relatively muted, with more vocal support coming from members of Congress. The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on entities related to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, highlighting ongoing tensions3.

China and India Dynamics

The U.S.-Pakistan relationship is further complicated by U.S. policies aimed at countering China's rise. Pakistan's close ties with China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the U.S.'s increasing partnership with India, create significant challenges for Pakistan in navigating its relationships with both countries23.

Nuclear Concerns

A key area of U.S. concern is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, with fears that these assets might fall into the wrong hands. This concern drives the U.S. to maintain close relations with the Pakistani military, which is seen as the most competent and powerful institution in Pakistan3.

In summary, the U.S. stance towards Pakistan is characterized by:

• Reduced strategic importance post-Afghanistan withdrawal
• Continued but limited engagement on security and counterterrorism
• Reduced economic and military aid
• Concerns over democratic stability and human rights
• Complications arising from U.S. policies towards China and India
• Ongoing focus on Pakistan's nuclear security.