A Perspective of Contemporary Pak-US Relationship

Abstract

Despite its feeble economy and political instability, the Pakistan’s geostrategic position allows it to
enjoy broader significance for the American interests in the region. Since the independence of
Pakistan, the two sides remained engaged with each other, but various ebbs and cons have stained
these relations. After the 9/11 incident, Pakistan became the front line state in the US Global War
on Terror (WOT). Islamabad played a significant part in eliminating the scourge of terrorism
globally. However, despite its active role in the WOT, Pakistan’s contribution has not been
appropriately appreciated, particularly in economic and military assistance. The US policy of South
Asia hardly reflects Pakistan’s perspective, which certainly echoes the mistrust in both countries.
Hence, to ensure her security, mainly vis-à-vis its arch-rival India, Pakistan has to look for other
options in its foreign policy choices like China and Russia. For maintaining the dynamics of power
balancing in the region, Islamabad seems to revisit its ties with the US, particularly amid the
changing environment of 21st-century international politics. The future of Pak-US relations has to
be viewed in accordance with Pakistan’s geostrategic significance in the region and the dominant
American position in the global system.