By Athar Javed
Historically, Pakistan and the U.S. have enjoyed multidimensional relationships in the fields of defence, economic, security, social development, energy, trade and military cooperation. The US has been Pakistan’s largest export terminus. The trade between Pakistan and U.S. stood at $6.5 billion in 2019 with the surplus of $ 1.3 billion. The major U.S. investments are mainly concentrated in the sectors of energy, agriculture, chemicals, consumer goods, transportation, communication and business process out sourcing. From the military aspect, Pakistan has been a non-NATO allay. From first-Afghan war to facilitating peace process in Afghanistan through Doha peace agreement, Pakistan has rendered remarkable support to the U.S. and NATO.
The U.S. Taliban peace agreement and subsequent ceasefire is a way forward to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace agreement. The commitment to withdraw U.S. troops and intra-Afghan dialogue are signs of future of peace in Afghanistan. The post COVID-19 situation however begs the question whether Pakistan should establish an economic security oriented relations with the U.S. because the history of relations between both nations witnessed diplomatic upheavals. The economic security could become a source of permanent partnership. Also, Pakistan’s current government has embarked upon a long terms economic cooperation with the U.S. Importantly, the Post COVID-19 world has created a challenging economic situation but Pakistan continues to present investor friendly incentives and transforming trade related regulations.
Pakistan and the U.S. comprehend that the global security hinges at the peace stability in Afghanistan and resolution of all conflicts in South Asia including between Pakistan and India. The U.S. considers Pakistan a major source of stability and thus acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan’s military law, enforcement agencies and civilians during war against terrorism. Pakistan has always been great supporter of Sino-U.S. relations because the positive diplomatic ties between two UNSC members would help stabilize South Asia and beyond.
The new U.S. President Joe Biden announced in his post victory talks that Pakistan is an essential partner in any peace progress, and that the U.S. will continue to build relations with Pakistan and Pakistan’s military to cooperate on key issues.
President Biden’s administration should reinvigorate Pak-U.S. cooperation on investments, trade, and military collaboration, and must implement the US withdrawal plan from Afghanistan. The jointeconomic security and future military cooperation will also help Pakistan and the U.S. to maintain balance of diplomatic equation.
Why is it crucial for Pakistan and the U.S. to enhance economic security and military cooperation? Pakistan seeks to establish a long terms and sustainable economic relations with the US. The history of relations between two countries demonstrates that the transactional nature of Pak-US relations has hurt the cause of peace. The mistrust between two friendly nations has been the reason of ups and down in their relation. Importantly, India has been feeding bad intelligence and continues to use Afghanistan’s soil to disturb the peace equation in South Asia. Pakistan on its part is continuing to facilitate Afghan peace deal between the US and Taliban. Moreover, Pak-US economic and trade relations will help smooth Pakistan’s economy, and thus a positive image among Pakistanis and Americans.
Should the President Biden’s administration change its Afghan peace agreement, what will be the implications for Afghan people, Pakistan and the region?
The new U.S. President Joe Biden announced in his post victory talks that Pakistan is an essential partner in any peace progress, and that the U.S. will continue to build relations with Pakistan and Pakistan’s military to cooperate on key issues.
President Biden’s administration should reinvigorate Pak-U.S. cooperation on investments, trade, and military collaboration, and must implement the US withdrawal plan from Afghanistan. The jointeconomic security and future military cooperation will also help Pakistan and the U.S. to maintain balance of diplomatic equation.
Pakistan still needs a real and a long terms strategic partnership with the U.S. – with the world becoming more multipolar. How can Pakistan and the U.S. achieve such partnership?
Pakistan is one of the most important countries in South Asia, The US policymakers should not establish mutually exclusive relations especially with regards to US-India strategic partnership. It is crucial that a balance of power should be maintained, and thus it’s a high time for both Pakistan and the US to embrace any diplomatic challenge but never let the third country to influence their friendly relations. The post COVID-19 would demands more cooperation between allied countries. Pakistan offers best option both in terms of investments in the areas of energy, agriculture, IT and defence cooperation. Pakistan’s economy needs trade and not aid.
