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Ruqeeya Iftikhar
Pakistan must redefine its relations with the US

Introduction:
Pakistan maintains topsy-turvy with the US since its birth, however, it is the high time to
redefine its relation with US, as suggested by top foreign policy experts and former policy
makers of Pakistan. It is in fact, the need of the hour to realize past slips and missed-
opportunities to realign our republic and find new balance, which is absolutely vital and in the
best interest of Pakistan and its economic revival. Some foreign policy expert suggests
Pakistan must change the nature and scope of its relation with US, which primarily has been
surrounding military aid and almost no economic development, and there was in fact more aid
and less sustainable development. Indeed, the statesmen have committed some terrible
mistakes, while finding a right balance between bi-polar world, which resulted in more foes
and less friends leading up to the false pretext of terrorism harbouring state. Even, our own
masses and the neighbours states are unhappy because of blindly relying over US support,
which remained filled with distrust and mistrust from both sides. Especially, after 9/11 the
relations strained and it was demanded to do more policy.

In the historical perspective, Pakistan never gained opened and full support from the US,
instead it gravely affected by the US policies in the region, which created regional instability,
chaos and terrorism that claim more than fifty thousand lives and resulted in economic
recession. In fact, the US military and economic support remained conditional and far less
than its sacrifices and pledges made by US. Therefore, it is high time to realize and make
either independent foreign policy or find some power to ensure its survival.

Literature Review:
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From the US perspective, the major areas of its concerns included: nuclear nonproliferation;
counterterrorism; regional stability; democratization and human rights; and economic reform
and development. An ongoing Pakistan-India nuclear armsrace, fueled by rivalry over
Kashmir, continues to be the focus of U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia and a major
issue in U.S. relations with both countries. (Blood, 2002)

From Pakistans perspective, the major areas of its concerns included: disturbing regional
balance; policies which strengthen India; policies which weakened Pakistan, destroying
democratic institutions and encouraging military rules; cut-off of US aid and arms sale to
Pakistan after Soviet defeat, which was clear betrayal. Imposition of Sanctions after 1998
nuclear tests, which Indian got waved from similar treatment; Pakistan became front-line ally
in war on terror, however, remained fruitless and entitled terrorism harboring state and
accused of terrorism and safe heavens. In the recent Past, several deals of military aid
including aircrafts and nuclear deals were signed, which deeply concerned Pakistan.
According to Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, "we firmly conveyed it to the US
that maintaining effective nuclear deterrence is critical for Pakistan's security and only
Pakistan itself can determine how it should respond to growing strategic imbalance in South
Asia. (Hyder, 2016)

According to Pakistans viewpoint, the US never fully appreciated the critical circumstances
it has remained under because of its hostile relations with India, which was contineous threat
to its existance, while the US feared Soviet Expansion that turned Pakistan an important
instrument. Despite the United States widely publicized "tilt" toward Pakistan during the
1971 war, Pakistan's then leader, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, felt betrayed. In his opinion, the United
States could have prevented India from intervening in Pakistan's civil war, thereby saving his
country the trauma of defeat and dismemberment. Secondly, time tested again during Soviet
invasion on Afghanistan, and Pakistan led Afghan Jehad by a covet aid, but later the burden
of afghan refugees and militants were put in limbo, which became constant threat and
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security concern for Paksitan. In fact, it lead to further distintegration and economic
meltdown. After 9/11, Paksitan directly affected by the US invasion in Afghanistan, and the
Do More policy caused endless dilemmas for Pakistan. As a matter of fact, Several members
of the US Congress launched a multi-pronged attack on Pakistan, questioning its policies and
priorities. (the Newspaper's Correspondent, 2016)

Methodology:
This paper uses online research methodology, which uses the internet and the web for
research publication; it includes exploring the resources on the web, such as digital libraries,
which hosts research reports, news items and other historical timeline.

Discussion and results:

Indeed, Pakistans policy makers are unique in its kind of substance that they repeat similar
mistakes every time although one bitten should twice shy. In consequence, they caused much
harmed to our integrity as a nation and created distrust among regimes, and never learned
lessons from their prior moves and missed the golden opportunities to realign and make more
friends than foes. Fortunately, there is a growing concern and realization among them and
shifted their economic and military ties towards China, which is a time-tested friend of
Pakistan, while Moscow is also willing to make more friendly ties with Pakistan, which may
strengthen strategic position of Pakistan in the region and World at large.

Work Cited:

Blood, P. R. (2002). Pakistan-U.S. Relations. Washington: Congressional Research Service,

Library of Congress.
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Hyder, M. (2016, June 10). Pakistan concerned over growing Indo-US ties: Sartaj Aziz.
Dawn.

the Newspaper's Correspondent. (2016, April 29). US lawmakers question Pakistans

policies. Dawn.