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The six decade old bilateral relations between Pakistan and US have seen many up and
downs. Their roots can be traced back in the height of Cold War era and South Asian
political affairs of 1950s. Pakistan's desire for defense and financial assistance against
Indian hegemonic ambitions backed by Russia, and America's apprehensions about
Russian communist expanding designs as well as a way of US astute foreign policy to
access the South Asian regional affairs, encouraged both countries to start a bilateral
relationship. For Washington, Pakistan was a significant protecting wall to contain the
threat of Soviet Russia's expansionism, after India’s choice of neutrality.
.
Pakistan and US came much closer during the tenure of US President Dweight D.
Eisenhower who applauded the friendship of PakUS in these words:
"Americans have a strong feeling of friendship for the
people of Pakistan. We have great admiration for this
young country which is engaged in a valiant and
determined effort to overcome problems of tremendous
magnitude. We are proud to have such staunch
friends as the people of Pakistan."
Pakistan joined mutual military pacts like SEATO (South Asian Treaty Organisation) and
CENTO (Central Treaty Organisation). As a result of these agreements, Pakistan was
provided nearly US $2 billion aid including $510 million in military assistance from 1953
to 1959.
The era of 1960s witnessed close ties between US and India along with the unveiling of
wellknown US carrot and stick policy for Pakistan. United States pro Indian policies
influenced South Asian regional politics. President John F. Kennedy gave around $3
billion aid to New Delhi and then backed India in 1962 SinoIndian conflict by giving
military equipment, not only this US pressurized Pakistan to support India by giving
Indian military a route via East Pakistan, however Islamabad refused.
Same attitude was repeated during 1971 Indian military attack on Pakistan, which
resulted in the form of Bangladesh. When Islamabad asked Washington for help, this
time US president Richard M. Nixon ordered American Navy's Fleet into Bay of Bengal
but surprisingly it never reached its destination. Nixon administration expressed concern
but it all remained verbal without any practical approach to contain the Indian attack.
Likewise US didn't use the Veto power while Russia was favouring its old friend India by
using Veto power for resolutions against Pakistan. Soon after the split of East and West
wings into Bangladesh, Pakistan withdrew from the South Asian treaty Organisation
(SEATO).
At Pokharan in 1974 India conducted its first nuclear test; as a defensive measure
Pakistan decided to balance the power of the region by starting a peaceful nuclear
programme. America strongly opposed this decision. When Pakistan started
negotiations with France for a Nuclear Processing Plant and a Heavy Water facility from
Germany, US pressurized France that it should not give a plant to Pakistan. In the
background of all these hurdles Pakistan started its nuclear programme.
In the new world scenario US reevaluated its ties with Pakistan and demoted this
partnership. As a consequence differences emerged between the two old allies and
Pakistan's nuclear programme came under America's harsh scrutiny. US stabbed its
sincere ally under the famous Presler Amendment, economic and military sanctions
were imposed on Pakistan, and not only this US withheld the money approx $1.2 billion
that Pakistan paid for the purchase of military equipment such as F16 fighter aircrafts.
More sanctions under the name of MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) were
imposed on Pakistan in 1993 for receiving Chinese missile technology. Surprisingly all
this was applied when Pakistan's teamwork was not needed following the collapse of
Soviet Russia. Similarly a further series of sanctions were imposed following Pakistan's
successful nuclear tests in 1998 which were essential to maintain the South Asian
regional power equilibrium.
Then all of a sudden the famous incident of 9/11 changed the scenario; US once again
regarded Pakistan as a frontline key ally in War on Terrorism. The Bush administration
declared Pakistan as a major nonNATO ally of Unites States of America. Interestingly,
so far the importance of this title has existed merely emblematically as Pakistan remains
subjected to suspicions and mistrusts along with "Do More" rhetoric.
Pakistan has given numerous sacrifices in terms of human life, collateral damage,
suicide attacks, lawlessness and economic losses, exports, foreign investment and
industrial production paralyzed as the domestic stability suffered massively. Pakistan
army has given more sacrifices than US occupied forces in Afghanistan. Pak army has
broken the backbone of the militants in different successful military operation of Swat,
Malakand and Waziristan but still the echo of "Do More" can be heard in the form of an
offensive in North Waziristan against militants specifically against Haqqani group which
is not acceptable for Islamabad. Time to time Pakistan has categorically said that if any
operation is required, army will not hesitate to start it but operation timing will be in
complete accordance with Pakistan's own interests.
America sees a larger role of India in Afghanistan, while Pakistan apprehends that
Indian consulates in Afghanistan are trying to destabilize Pakistan. India has already
attained few strategic objectives with the help of CIA's friendly policies and has
entrenched RAW in Afghanistan to run covert operation against Pakistan and to get full
strategic depth. It has provoked annoyance, trustdeficit, and fury in Pakistanis.
Additionally American drone attacks inside Pakistan's territory are icing on the cake.
USIndo civil nuclear deal is intensifying the imbalance in the region. Ironically,
Washington is fully aware of Pakistan's severe energy crisis but isn't interested in
signing any such accord with Islamabad. In contrast has asked details of PakChina civil
nuclear deal. Similarly Obama during a recent visit to India, showered more accords
and praises on India but amazingly the atrocities of Kashmiris at the hand of Indian
forces remains untouched.
America's policy makers should think and act wisely to hold on to its true sincere ally
Pakistan. Repeatedly blaming Pakistan Intelligence agency ISI, castigating Pakarmy
for failing in eliminating terrorists and finger pointing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal safety
are some major factors that will wider the gap between two allies and make Pakistan's
nation more dubious of USPak alliance.
Similarly if America wants to succeed in Afghanistan, it must bridge the trust deficit with
Pakistan by assuring that Afghanistan wouldn't become a nucleus of Indian intrigues
and schemes against it. Pakistan is an important element for mediation in Afghanistan,
any move to stay it out or to disparage its role in peace talks would be counter
productive. US should make it a vital component of Taliban negotiations because it's
only Pakistan that has potential ability to initiate a reconciliation procedure, without it
Afghan war cannot be won. Therefore this stresses to hold India out of this scenario.
Over the years US ignored its honest partner who has worked day and night for "US led
counterterrorism efforts". Now Washington must satisfy Islamabad regarding its regional
concerns and should end its doublestandards and empty rhetorics. US must provide
unconditional military aid, drone technology, nuclear energy cooperation and market
access to Pakistan. These are the gestures that will help in bridging the gap between
two allies rather than the repetition of "Do More".