The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been characterized by cycles of progress and regression. With the changing global order, the relationship between the nations has undergone significant changes. The US-Pakistan relationship has always been driven by mutual interest. Initially, this relationship was developed with the joining of the SEATO and CENTO in 1954. Hence, Pakistan received aid and military assistance from US, being a Cold War ally. Consequently, Pakistan aligned with the United States after signing SEATO and CENTO treaties. Afterwards, Pakistan received over $700 million in military aid and $5 billion in economic aid till the 1980s. In the meantime, the US suspended military aid during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. The former President Jimmy Carter suspended aid during Pakistan’s nuclear enrichment program. The strategic relationship between the two nations originated at this point. Its evolution marked substantial periods of progress and regression.
Bilateral relations between the United States and Pakistan were reinvigorated following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. During that time, Pakistan fought a proxy war against the USSR by supporting the Afghan Mujahedin. In 1989, the war ended, and the US left the region, leaving Pakistan with a large number of Afghan refugees. Afterward, Pakistan faced severe consequences. The relationship between the two countries returned to regression again. In 1992, the United States imposed sanctions on Pakistan for acquiring new nuclear capacity by passing the Pressler Amendment, which approved sanctions against Pakistan.
The US and Pakistan’s relationship has always been interest-based. With a change shift in the global order, the US shifts its focus.
The relationship between Pakistan and the US was restored after the 9/11 attacks. Before 9/11 US was reluctant to recognize General Pervaiz Musharraf’s regime, but after 9/11, the scenario changed. On 20 September 2001, the US announced its war on terror against Al-Qaeda. The US once again tilted towards Pakistan. At that time, President George W. Bush coined the phrase “With us or against us.” Pakistan allied with the US in the war against terror. Further, Pakistan was designated as a non-NATO ally, and its territory was used against terrorists. Pakistan has lost approximately $100 billion, which includes infrastructural losses, investment losses, and tourism losses due to war-related security concerns. Despite infrastructural losses during the 20-year-long war, hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed, injured, and displaced. No state can pay reparations for life losses. In return, Washington accused Islamabad of providing a haven to terrorists.
In 2017, when Trump took the oath as the 45th President, his tilt was more towards India to counterbalance China. In January 2018, White House accused Pakistan of a double game and froze all military aid to Pakistan. Resulting in the suspension of nearly $2 billion in security assistance. In point of fact, with the changing global order USA seeks to counterbalance China by strengthening the strategic and economic relationship with India. Pakistan was asked to “do more” in counter terrorism. Following India’s complaint of India, Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list, resulting significant negative consequences and decline in foreign investment. In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, which resulted in the withdrawal of US troops. This withdrawal further cooled the relationship between the states. In December 2024, US imposed sanctions on Pakistan for expanding its missile range stating “You want to reach us”.
Notably, Pakistan and the US relations were restored again after the Pakistan-India war in May 2025. Trump mediated and announced a ceasefire between the two states. As India continued crude oil purchase from Russia despite of US repeated demand to stop this purchase. Therefore, US has imposed 50% tariffs on India and shifted its focus to its rival Pakistan. In June, President Trump hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir, signaling the USA inclination towards Pakistan. In September, Pakistan and US company named U.S. Strategic Metals signed $500 million agreement. The initial shipment of minerals was sent earlier this month. This MoU was signed during PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal’s visit to the white house, Prime Minister of Pakistan presented rare earth metals to President Trump. In a recent Statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he indicated the expansion of strategic relations with Pakistan.
Conclusively, the US and Pakistan’s relationship has always been interest-based. With a change shift in the global order, the US shifts its focus. In the last Trump administration, the US’s sole focus was on India in all means, whether strategically or economically and ignoring Pakistan. In his 2nd term, he is creating challenges for India, by imposing tariffs. Certainly, this reinstatement of strategic relations is not a movement of celebration. It is a realization that the US has often left Pakistan in tough times, prioritizing its own interests. This time Businessman Trump has an eye on the precious minerals of Pakistan. Pakistan should make policies to avoid exploitation which has been happened in past.
The writer works at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, and can be reached at amnanaz03846 @gmail.com