1

PAKISTAN- UNITED STATES AMERICA RELATION

Contents

 Timeline
 Introduction
 1- Relations during the Cold War
o 1.1- 1947–1958: Relations Between the United States and the Newly-Independent
State
o 1.2- 1958–1971: Relations During the Military Dictatorships of Ayub Khan and
Yahya Khan
 1.2.1- Pakistan's role in U.S.-China relations
 1.2.2- 1971: Relations during war
o 1.3- Democratic government (1971–1977)
o 1.4- Military dictatorship (1977–1988)
 2- Relations after the Cold war: 1988–1999
o 2.1- Democratic governments (1988–1998)
 2.1.1- Rift in relations
 2.1.2- Economic embargo
o 2.2- Cold war legacies and trade sanctions
 2.2.1- CENTO and SEATO
 2.2.2- Trade embargo
 3- Military science programmes
o 3.1- Pakistan and atomic weapons
 3.1.1- Nonproliferation and security
o 3.2- Space programme
 4- Relations since 2001
o 4.1- Alliance with United States
o 4.2- Aid from the United States since 9/11
o 4.3- Trust deficit issues
o 4.4- Border engagement and skirmishes
 5- Afghan war factor in Pakistan–United States relations
o 5.1- 2009: U.S. military and economic aid
o 5.2- 2010: Coalition partnership issues
o 5.3- 2011: American accusations and attacks in Pakistan
 5.3.1- Collapse of alliance and death of Osama bin Laden
o 5.4- 2012–13: American sentiment against Pakistan
o 5.5- 2014 and 2015: Rapprochement
o 5.6- 2017: New Afghan Policy
 6- Meetings between Pakistani and U.S. leaders
o 6.1- Visits by leaders of Pakistan[129]
o 6.2- Visits By Presidents of the United States[130]
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 7- Military aid from the United States

o 7.1Dispute over $300 million of military aid being postponed by Department of
Defense
 8- Cultural influence
 Conclusion

Timeline:
Relations between the US and Pakistan have been on a roller-coaster for
nearly 60 years
WASHINGTON (Reuters)

1954  US and Pakistan negotiate a defence agreement to address Washington’s fear

of Soviet expansionism and Islamabad’s concerns about rival India.

1960  Pakistan allows the US to fly its spy planes from an air base in Peshawar for
reconnaissance of the Soviet Union.

1970  Pakistan plays a behind-the-scenes role to open communications between its

old ally China and the US. These efforts result in a secret visit of then US Secretary of
State Henry Kissinger to China in 1971 and then by President Richard Nixon the
following year, the first US presidential trip to China.

1971  Civil war between West and East Pakistan leads to the third Indo-Pakistan
war. East Pakistan breaks away to form Bangladesh. US suspends military aid and
many in Pakistan begin to see US as an unreliable ally.

1974  India conducts underground nuclear test, prompting Pakistan to begin efforts

to respond with its own nuclear arms capability. Islamabad’s pursuit of atomic
weapons in subsequent years strains ties with Washington.

1975  US resumes limited military aid to Pakistan.

1977  Army chief General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq

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December 1979  The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan. The US begins to view

Pakistan as a front-line state in the effort to stop Soviet expansionism.

September 1981  President Ronald Reagan’s administration negotiates a $3.2

billion (Dh11.7 billion) economic and military aid package with Islamabad. Pakistan
becomes the main route for arms and supplies for the Afghan resistance.

1985  Pressler Amendment added to the Foreign Assistance Act. It requires the

president to certify to Congress that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear device as a
condition for receiving aid.

1990  President George H.W. Bush suspends aid to Pakistan under the Pressler
amendment, cutting all military funds and most economic assistance.

1998  India conducts a nuclear test and Pakistan follows with its own test. The US
imposes sanctions, restricting military sales, economic assistance and loans to the
Pakistani government.

1999  After meeting US President Bill Clinton in Washington, Pakistani Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif agrees to withdraw Pakistani troops and anti-India militants
from the Kargil area of Indian-administered Kashmir after a bloody conflict that
threatened to go nuclear.

2001  Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf turns into President George W.

Bush’s key ally after the September 11 attacks. Pakistan officially abandons support
for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and joins US-led war on terrorism. US aid to
Pakistan soars. Between 2002 and 2008, US provides nearly $12 billion in aid to
Islamabad, about three-quarters of it military assistance.

2004  President George Bush officially declared Pakistan as a non-Nato ally

granting it the authority to purchase strategic and advanced military equipment
 4

2009  US President Barack Obama unveils a new strategy to “disrupt, defeat and
dismantle” Al Qaida and its safe havens in Pakistan. US approves $7.5 billion in aid
for Pakistan over the next five years.

2010  Failed car bombing in New York’s Times Square leads to the arrest of
Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad. Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility and US
warns of “severe consequences” if a successful attack on US soil is traced back to
Pakistan.

2011  Osama Bin Laden, the founder and first leader of the terrorist group Al Qaida,
was killed in Pakistan on May 2, 2011 by the US Navy SEALs

2015  Pakistan says it lost 80,000 lives and suffers economic losses of more than
$100 billion in the war against terrorism

2018  The US President Donald Trump suspended nearly all security aid to Pakistan
affecting as much as $1.3 billion in annual aid saying Pakistan has “given us nothing
but lies & deceit”.

INTRODUCTION:
Pakistan–United States relations refers to the bilateral
relationship between Pakistan and the United States. On 20 October 1947, two months
and six days after Pakistan's independence, the United States established relations with
Pakistan, making it amongst the first nations to establish relations with the new state.
Pakistan allied itself with the United States during the Cold war era against the Soviet
Union, and was an integral player in the CENTO and SEATO alliances. Relations
worsened in the 1970s following the election of the left-oriented Pakistan Peoples
Party under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and then quickly improved and deepened
during Operation Cyclone in the 1980s, which was directed against Soviet expansion
in Central Asia and South Asia. Pakistan became a logistics hub, supplying and training
Muslim mujahideen in Afghanistan to combat the Soviet Union. Relations once again
soured after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the United States approved
sanctions against Pakistan by passing the Pressler amendment, and made the lifting of
sanctions conditional on Pakistan abandoning its nuclear weapons program. Pakistan's
nuclear program, which was initiated after the war with India in 1971 and accelerated
after India detonated a nuclear bomb in 1974, is a contentious issue since it's seen by
the Pakistani administration as the only means by which it can defend itself against an
 5

increasingly powerful India. The sanctions were lifted when Pakistan assumed an
important role in American geopolitical interests in the region following the September
11 attacks, and the subsequent War on Terror. Relations were strengthened as the
United States named Pakistan a major non-NATO ally in 2002—which allowed for the
release of over $25 billion of aid to Pakistan. [1][2] American recovery efforts following
the 2005 Kashmir earthquake were widely appreciated by the Pakistani public.
Relations began to sour yet again in the late 2000s as both sides began to criticize one
another's strategy in the War on Terror, with the United States government frequently
accusing Pakistan of harboring members of the Afghan Taliban and Quetta Shura, while
Pakistan had alleged that the United States had done little to control security in eastern
Afghanistan, where Pakistan's most-wanted terrorist, Mullah Fazlullah was believed to
be hiding. In 2011, as a result of the Raymond Allen Davis incident in Lahore, the secret
U.S. operation in Abbottabad which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, and
the Salala incident, relations between the two countries reached a low point. Public
opinion in Pakistan after 2011 frequently ranked the U.S. one of its least favored
countries.[3] In 2015, according to Gallup's annual World Affairs survey, only 15% of
Americans had a favorable view of Pakistan due to terrorism rise. [4]
Despite the instability of the relationship, both the countries are back to good relations
and are allies against terrorism [5]. Today the United States engages in extensive
economic, social, and scientific assistance as well as vital military assistance while
Pakistan continues to occupy a position in the United States' interests in Central and
South Asia. The United States is the second-largest supplier of military equipment to
Pakistan after China, and is one of Pakistan's largest donors of foreign assistance. [6][7][8]
On 21 July 2019, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met with U.S. President Donald
Trump in the White House. Both sides agreed to 'reset' the relationship between the two
countries and agreed to the resumption of military aid to Pakistan. President Trump
lauded Pakistan's efforts to end the war in Afghanistan due to Pakistan's participation in
the Afghan peace process, and Imran Khan stated that there is no military solution for
the Afghanistan quagmire and that Pakistan would assist the peace process in any way
it could.

Relations during the Cold War[edit]

1947–1958: Relations Between the United States and the Newly-
Independent State[edit]
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Prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan meeting President Harry Truman.

Following Pakistan's independence from the British Indian Empire, the nascent state
struggled to position itself as a non-aligned member of the international
community. Pakistan's pro-communist forces commanded considerable support in East
Pakistan, while in West Pakistan, the pro-Soviet Pakistan Socialist Party remained
largely marginalized. The capitalist and pro-American Pakistan Muslim
League dominated much of West Pakistan's political landscape, particularly in the
prosperous region of Punjab, while its base of support in East Pakistan was far more
modest.
Prime Minister Ali Khan, however, attempted to establish friendly relations with both the
Soviet Union and the United States in hopes that Pakistan could benefit from an alliance
with both superpowers. Both the Military of Pakistan and Foreign Service of
Pakistan raised doubts as to whether the Soviets had the political will and capacity to
provide military, technical, and economic aid to a similar degree that Soviets had begun
to offer to Pakistan's socialist neighbor, India. [9] Pakistan nevertheless requested military
aid from the USSR, which was predictably rebuffed as the Soviet Union had previously
oriented itself to India.[9] The government's overtures to the Soviet Union were not
favorably regarded by Pakistan's conservative middle classes, who regarded the USSR
as an atheist and socialist ally of India.[10]
In 1950, the United States extended an overture to Pakistan by inviting Prime Minister
Khan for an official state visit. As the USSR had rebuffed capitalist Pakistan and aligned
itself with Pakistan's rivals, the country's policy crafters found that maintaining friendly
relations with both superpowers was impossible. Prime Minister Khan accepted the
American invitation and paid an official 23-day state visit to the United States beginning
on May 3, 1950. The event was highly politicized in Pakistan, and outraged the
country's leftists, and was seen as the seminal event that leads to warm diplomatic ties
for several decades. However, it is alleged that during PM Khan's first visit to the US,
president Truman requested Pakistan's premier to let the CIA formulate a base in
Pakistan, strictly to keep an eye on the activities of Soviet Union—a request which was
not granted by Khan.[11]
Throughout the period between 1950 and 1953, several major Pakistan political and
military figures paid visits to the United States. During this time, Army commander Ayub
Khan paid visits to the United States – a figure who would later institute a strongly pro-
American military dictatorship. Foreign Minister Sir Zafrullah Khan, Foreign
Secretary Ikram-Ullah Khan, Finance Minister Ghulam Muhammad, and Defense
Secretary Sikander Mirza all paid official state visits to the United States.[12]
 7

U.S. Vice President Alben W. Barkley explains the 1948 version of the Vice President's seal to Prime
Minister Ali Khan of Pakistan and his wife

Defense ties between the two countries strengthened almost immediately following
Khan's visit to the United States. Personal goodwill towards Pakistan was evident even
when Liaqat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951. Under the government of Khawaja
Nazimuddin, Pakistani and American officials developed positive attitudes towards one
another. Such personal goodwill was evident when Secretary of State John Foster
Dulles, while arguing for wheat aid to Pakistan in 1953, told the sub-committee on
Agriculture and Forestry during hearings that, "the [p]eople of Pakistan had a splendid
military tradition," and that in Karachi he had been met by a guard of honour which was
the "finest" he had ever seen".[12] Close ties between the countries were further
consolidated by a mutual defense treaty signed in May 1954, after which hundreds of
Pakistani military officers began to regularly train in the United States. [12] A U.S. Military
Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) was also established in Rawalpindi, then capital of
Pakistan. Pakistani officers were not only trained in military tactics, but also taught
leadership, management, and economic theory. [12]
In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower requested permission from Pakistan's new Prime
Minister, Huseyn Suhravardie, to lease the Peshawar Air Station (PAS), which was to
be used in intelligence gathering of Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles.[12] The
request was granted, and soon the United States built an airstrip, command and control
station at the site before initiating operations. [12] The base was regarded as top-secret,
and even the high-ranking Pakistani public officials such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, were
refused entry to the facility.[12]
American interest in Pakistan as an ally against the spread of Communism primarily
was focused towards maintaining excellent ties with Pakistan's military establishment.
Prime Minister Huseyn Suhravardie paid several official visits to the United States –
typically with his Army commander, Ayub Khan, at his side.[12] After the military coup
d'état in 1958, Ayub Khan argued that left wing activists could seize power in Pakistan,
thereby jeopardizing American interests in the region. [12] He successfully convinced
American officials that the Pakistani military was the strongest, and most capable
institution to govern the country.[12]
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1958–1971: Relations During the Military Dictatorships of Ayub

Khan and Yahya Khan[edit]
Main articles: Peshawar Air Station, 1960 U-2 incident, and Indo-Pakistani war of 1965

Ayub Khan standing in a motorcade with American President John F. Kennedy.

President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with President Ayub Khan in Karachi, Pakistan

During the dictatorship of Ayub Khan, Pakistan enjoyed a close relationship with the
United States. Ayub Khan was strongly pro-American, and on a visit the United States
in 1954, before Khan was head of state, he famously told American Brigadier-
General Henry A. Byroade, "I didn’t come here to look at barracks. Our army can be
your army if you want us. But let's make a decision". [12] His view of the United States
had remained positive by the time he seized power. In fact, during the 1960s, Pakistan's
 9

population was generally pro-American and held a similarly positive view of the United
States.
In 1960, Ayub Khan granted permission for the United States to fly its first spy missions
to the Soviet Union from the Peshawar Air Base, which had been recently upgraded
with American funds. In May 1960, the U-2 incident took place, in which pilot Gary
Powers was captured by the USSR.[12] The CIA notified Ayub Khan of the incident while
he was in London for a state visit: he reportedly shrugged his shoulders and stated that
he had expected such an incident would eventually happen. [12]
In 1961, Khan paid his first visit to the United States as head of state. American goodwill
towards Khan was evident by an elaborate state dinner held at Mount Vernon, and a
ticker tape parade for Khan in New York City. [13]
American military aide was concentrated in West Pakistan, with economic benefits were
controlled by and almost exclusively used by West Pakistan. [12] East Pakistani anger
towards an absence of economic development was directed towards the United States,
as well as West Pakistan. The East-Pakistan parliament passed a resolution
denouncing the 1954 military pact with the United States. [12]

President Ayub Khan and Jaqueline Kennedy with Sardar, a Seal brown horse gifted by Khan to
Jackie Kennedy, 1962.

Economic aid to Pakistan was further increased by the United States through the
consortium companies.[14] West Pakistan's high rate of economic growth during this time
period brought wide regard to Pakistan as a model of successful implementation
of capitalism in a developing country; in 1964, GDP growth was 9.38%. [14]
In August 1965, Pakistan, under the leadership of Ayub Khan, launched the so-
called Operation Gibraltar against India, which escalated to the Indo-Pakistani War of
1965, with results favouring India. [14] Economic growth in 1965 was a mere 0.88%. The
economy rapidly rebounded with a GDP growth of 2.32% in 1966, and 9.79% in 1969.
However, given the huge economic cost of the war without any clear victory (or loss),
Khan surrendered his Presidential powers to Army Commander General Yahya
Khan (no relation) in 1969.[14]
American President Lyndon Johnson cultivated warm personal relations with Indian and
Pakistani leaders, This policy had unintended negative consequences. Since 1954, the
 10

American alliance with Pakistan caused India to move closer to the Soviet Union.
Johnson hoped that a more evenhanded policy towards both countries would soften the
tensions in South Asia, and bring both nations closer to the United States. With a major
presence already in Vietnam, Johnson ended the traditional American division of South
Asia into 'allies' and 'neutrals'. He had a plan to develop good relations with both India
and Pakistan, supplying arms and money to both, and to maintain neutrality from their
intense border feuds. The result was that his even-handedness pushed Pakistan closer
to Communist China and India closer to the Soviet Union. [15]
Pakistan's role in U.S.-China relations[edit]
President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger took advantage of Pakistan's close
relationship with People Republic of China to initiate secret contacts that resulted
in Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in July 1971 after visiting Pakistan. The
contacts resulted in the 1972 Nixon visit to China and the subsequent normalizing of
relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China.
1971: Relations during war[edit]

President of Pakistan Yahya Khan with United States President Richard Nixon, 1970.

At the onset of hostilities between India and Pakistan which led to the two-week
December Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, President Nixon urged Yahya Khan to restrain
Pakistani forces,[16] in order to prevent escalation of war, and to safeguard Pakistan's
interests – Nixon feared that an Indian invasion of West Pakistan would lead to socialist
India's domination of the subcontinent, thereby strengthening the position of the Soviet
Union.[17] Yahya Khan feared that an independent Bangladesh would lead to the
disintegration of West Pakistan. However, Indian military support for Bengali guerrillas
and a massive flood of Bengali refugees into India led to the escalation of hostilities and
declared war between India and Pakistan. [18]
The United States secretly encouraged the shipment of military equipment from the
Shah's Iran, Turkey, and Jordan to Pakistan, and reimbursed those countries for their
shipments,[19] despite Congressional objections.[20] The United States, however, also
threatened to cut-off aid to pressure Pakistan to end hostilities, but did not wish for India
to dominate the new political landscape in South Asia either.
Near the end of the war, the Nixon Administration recognized Pakistan's imminent
defeat, but sent the USS Enterprise and the Task Force-74 of the United States
Seventh Fleet into the Indian Ocean, which was regarded as a warning to India to resist
escalating attacks against West Pakistan. [21] As it was the height of the Vietnam War,
 11

the United States show of force was seen as a sign of support for the beleaguered
West Pakistan Armed Forces.[22]
Declassified CIA intelligence documents stated that "India intended to dismember
Pakistan and destroy its armed forces, a possible loss of U.S. ally in the Cold war that
the United States cannot afford to lose." Nixon termed India a "Soviet stooge" before
ordering the Enterprise to lead the Task Force-74.[23] In an assessment completed by
the United States, India was seen as being able to summarily defeat Pakistan, were
India to receive the full backing of Soviet Union. [23] Nixon sent a message to Soviet
Union urging Russians to stop backing India. In Nixons' words: "In the strongest
possible...(...)... terms to restrain India with which … (Soviets) have great influence and
for whose actions you must share responsibility".[23]
Democratic government (1971–1977)[edit]
Main articles: 1977 Pakistani coup d'état, Smiling Buddha, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Pakistan
and its Nuclear Deterrent Program, Democratic socialism, Pakistan Peoples Party, and Nationalization in
Pakistan

See also: Pakistan–Soviet Union relations, Pakistan North Korea relations, and Pakistan-Vietnam relations

In 1972, Zulfi Bhutto gifted a carved ivory set of chess to the United States President Gerald Ford.

As a result of the 1970s election, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a charismatic democratic socialist,

became President (1971–1974) and later Prime minister in 1974. This period is seen as
a "quiet cold war" with the Pakistan who administered under democratic socialists led by
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His socialist ideas favored the communist ideas but never actually
allied with communism. Under Bhutto, Pakistan would focus on Movement of Non-
Aligned Countries, building closer ties with Soviet bloc and the Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, Bhutto tried to maintain a balance with the United States, but such attempts
were rebuffed by the United States. Bhutto opposed the ultra-leftism concepts but was a
strong proponent of left-wing politics, which the U.S. had opposed in Pakistan from the
very start.[24]

“ When differences develop, a small country should not ”

take on a great power head-on, it is wiser for it to duck,
 12

detour, side-step and try to enter from the back-door...

— Zulfi Bhutto, on U.S.-Pakistan relations, [12]

Although, Richard Nixon enjoyed firmly strong relations with Bhutto and was a close
friend of Bhutto, the graph of relation significantly went down under
the Presidency of Jimmy Carter.[25] Carter, an anti-socialist, tightened the embargo
placed on Pakistan and placed a pressure through the United States Ambassador to
Pakistan, Brigadier-General Henry Byroade.[25] The socialist orientation, and Bhutto's
proposed left-wing theories, had badly upset the United States, further clinging the bell
tolls in the United States as fearing Pakistan's loss as an ally in the Cold war. [25] The
leftists and Bhutto's policy towards Soviet Union was seen sympathetic and had built a
bridge for the Soviet Union to have gain access in Pakistan's warm water ports, that
something both the United States and the Soviet Union had lacked. [25]
During the course of 1976 presidential election, Carter was elected as U.S. President,
and his very inaugural speech Carter announced the determination to seek the ban of
nuclear weapons.[25] With Carter's election, Bhutto lost all links to United States
administration he had through President Nixon. [25] Bhutto had to face the embargo and
pressure from the American President who was totally against the political objectives
which Bhutto had set forth for his upcoming future plans. Carter indirectly announced
his opposition to Bhutto, his ambition and the elections. [25] Responding to President
Carter, Bhutto launched a more actively aggressive and serious diplomatic offensive on
the United States and the Western world over the nuclear issues. [26] Bhutto's demagogic
act on nuclear issues put the United States, particularly Carter who found it extremely
difficult to counter Bhutto, on Defensive position at the United Nations.[26] While India
and the Soviet Union were pushed aside when Bhutto attacked Indian nuclear
programme as labeling latter's program based on the nuclear proliferation.[26] Writing to
the world and Western leaders, Bhutto made it clear and maintained to the United
States:
Pakistan was exposed to a kind of "nuclear threat and blackmail" unparalleled
elsewhere..... (...)... If the world's community failed to provide political insurance to
Pakistan and other countries against the nuclear blackmail, these countries would be a
constraint to launch atomic bomb programs of their own!... [A]ssurances provided by the
United Nations were not "Enough!"...

— Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, statement written in "Eating Grass", source[26]

Although Carter placed an embargo on Pakistan, Bhutto under the technical guidance
and diplomatic though Foreign minister Aziz Ahmed, succeeded to bought sensitive
equipment, common metal materials, and electronic components, marked as "common
items", hide the true nature of the intentions, greatly enhance the atomic bomb project,
though a complete failure for Carter's embargo. [25] Bhutto tried to resolve the issue, but
Carter intentionally sabotages the talks. In a thesis written by historian Abdul Ghafoor
Buhgari, Carter keenly sabotaged Bhutto credibility, but did not wanted to favor his
execution as Carter made a call to General Zia-ul-Haq to stop the act. [25] Therefore,
 13

senior leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party reached out to different country's

ambassadors and high commissioners but did not meet with the U.S. ambassador, as
the leadership knew the "noble" part played by Carter and his administration. [25] When
Carter administration discovered Bhutto's act, the programme was reached to a well-
advanced level, and furthermore, had disastrous effect on SALT I Treaty which was
soon collapse, a failure of President Carter to stop the atomic proliferation and arm race
between the Soviet Union and the United States heightened. [25]

Bhutto meeting with Nixon in 1972.

In 1974, with India carried out the test of nuclear weapons near the Pakistan's eastern
border, codename Smiling Buddha, Bhutto sought the United States to impose
economic sanctions in India.[24] Though it was unsuccessful approach, in a meeting of
Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger,
Kissinger told Pakistan's ambassador to Washington that the test is "a fait accompli and
that Pakistan would have to learn to live with it", although he was aware this is a "little
rough" on the Pakistanis.[24] In the 1970s, the ties were further severed with Bhutto as
Bhutto had continued to administer the research on weapons, and in 1976, in a meeting
with Bhutto and Kissinger, Kissinger had told Bhutto, "that if you [Bhutto] do not cancel,
modify or postpone the Reprocessing Plant Agreement, we will make a horrible
example from you".[27] The meeting was ended by Bhutto as he had replied: "For my
country's sake, for the sake of people of Pakistan, I did not succumb to that black-
mailing and threats". After the meeting, Bhutto intensified
his nationalization and industrialization policies, as well as aggressively taking steps to
spur scientific research on atomic weapons and the atomic bomb project. Bhutto
authorized the construction of Chagai weapon-testing laboratories, whilst the United
States opposed the action and predicted that it will lead to a massive and destructive
war between India and Pakistan in the future. The atomic bomb project became fully
mature in 1978, and a first cold test was conducted in 1983 (see Kirana-I).
Bhutto called upon Organization of Islamic Conference in order to bring Muslim world
together but after months, the pro-United States Muslim nations and the United States
itself took the promised step and Bhutto was declared as the corrupted one, and, as a
result, Bhutto was hanged in 1979.[27]
 14

Military dictatorship (1977–1988)[edit]

Main articles: Soviet–Afghan War, Operation Cyclone, Foreign aid to Pakistan, Reagan Doctrine, Ronald
Reagan, Tim Osman, Grand Mosque Seizure, Islamic terrorism, and United States and state terrorism

In 1979, a group of Pakistani students burned the American embassy in Islamabad to

the ground killing two Americans as a reaction to Grand Mosque Seizure, citing the U.S.
involvement.

Crile and Charlie Wilson meeting with ISI officers, c. The 1980s.

After the removal and death of Bhutto, the Pakistan's ties with the United States were
better and improved. On December 24, 1979, the Soviet 40th Army crossed borders,
rolling into Afghanistan, President Carter issued his doctrine (see Carter Doctrine). The
silent features offers the creation of the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), increasing the
deployment of United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), a collective
security framework in the region and a commitment to the defence of Pakistan by
transfer of significant amount of weapons and Monetarism.
Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, ISI and CIA ran multibillion-dollar
worth Operation Cyclone to thwart the communist regime as well as defeating Soviets in
Afghanistan. Throughout the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, the ties and
relations were promoted at its maximum point, and the United States had given billion
dollars of economic and military aid to Pakistan. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in
December 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United States in
opposing the Soviet Union. In 1981, Pakistan and the United States agreed on a $3.2
billion military and economic assistance program aimed at helping Pakistan deal with
the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic development needs.
With US assistance, in the largest covert operation in history, Pakistan armed and
supplied anti-Soviet fighters in Afghanistan.
In the 1980s, Pakistan agreed to pay $658 million for 28 F-16 fighter jets from the
United States; however, the US congress froze the deal, citing objections to Pakistan's
nuclear ambitions. Under the terms of the American cancellation, the US kept both the
money and the planes, leading to angry claims of theft by Pakistanis. [28]

“ When Americans lost in Vietnam, Americans went home ”

and cried. When the Soviets got kicked out of Egypt,
Soviets decided to go after Libya. ... Is America still the
leader of the free world? In what respect?. ... I hope it
 15

will soon restore its countervailing role, abandoned after

Vietnam

— Zia on U.S.'s policy on Pakistan., [12]

Initially, Carter offered Pakistan $325 million in aid over three years; Zia rejected this as
"peanuts."[29] Carter also signed the finding in 1980 that allowed less than $50 million a
year to go to the Mujahideen. All attempts were rebuffed, Zia shrewdly played his cards
knowing that Carter was on his way out and he may get a better deal from the incoming
Reagan. After Ronald Reagan came to office, defeating Carter for the US Presidency in
1980, all this changed, due to President Reagan's new priorities and the unlikely and
remarkably effective effort by Congressman Charles Wilson (D-TX), aided by Joanne
Herring, and CIA Afghan Desk Chief Gust Avrakotos to increase the funding
for Operation Cyclone. Aid to the Afghan resistance, and to Pakistan, increased
substantially, finally reaching $1 billion. The United States, faced with a rival
superpower looking as if it were to create another Communist bloc, now engaged Zia in
fighting a US-aided war by proxy in Afghanistan against the Soviets.
The Reagan administration and Reagan himself supported Pakistan's military regime,
American officials visited the country on a routine basis. [12] The U.S. political influence in
Pakistan effectively curbed down the liberals, socialists, communists, and democracy
advocates in the country in 1983, instead advising Zia to hold the non-partisans
elections in 1985.[12] General Akhtar Abdur Rahman of ISI and William
Casey of CIA worked together in harmony, and in an atmosphere of mutual trust.
The ISI officer Mohammad Yusuf stated "“It was a great blow to the Jehad when Casey
died", calling Casey "shaheed", a former CIA director is actually a martyr of Islam [clarification
.  The U.S. intelligence community also helped Zia to expand the idea of The
needed] [12]

Establishment in the national politics of Pakistan, approving the sale of F-16 Fighting
Falcon, nuclear technology, naval warships, intelligence training and efforts. [12]

Relations after the Cold war: 1988–1999[edit]

Democratic governments (1988–1998)[edit]
Main articles: Pressler amendment, Taliban, Economy of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, Indo-
Pakistani War of 1999, 1999 Pakistani coup d'état, Pokhran-II, Chagai-II, and Soviet troop withdrawal from
Afghanistan

After the restoration of democracy after the disastrous and mysterious death of Zia and

U.S. Ambassador in an aviation crash, relations deteriorated quickly with upcoming
prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. The United States took a tough stand
on Pakistan's nuclear development, passing the Pressler amendment, while significantly
improving the relations with India. Both Benazir and Nawaz Sharif also asked the United
States to take steps to stop the Indian nuclear program, feeling that United States was
not doing enough to address what Pakistan saw as an existential threat. Pakistan found
 16

itself in a state of extremely high insecurity as tensions mounted with India and
Afghanistan's infighting continued. Pakistan's alliance with the U.S. was strained due to
factors such as its support for the Taliban and public distancing of the Pakistani
government from the U.S.
Rift in relations[edit]
In 1992 US Ambassador Nicholas Platt advised Pakistan's leaders that if Pakistan
continued to support terrorists in India or Indian-administered territory, "the Secretary of
State may find himself required by law to place Pakistan on the state sponsors of
terrorism list."[30] When the US decided to respond to the 1998 United States embassy
bombings in Africa by firing missiles at an al-Qaeda camp in Taliban-controlled
Afghanistan, five Pakistani ISI agents present at the camp were killed.[30]
Economic embargo[edit]

Benazir Bhutto paying state visit to the U.S., 1989.

In 1989, Benazir Bhutto made a quick visit in the U.S. asking U.S. to stop financing
the Afghan mujahideen to President George H. W. Bush, which she marked "America's
Frankenstein".[31] This was followed by Nawaz Sharif who visited the U.S. in 1990, but
U.S. gave cold shoulder to Pakistan, asking Pakistan to stop developing the nuclear
deterrence. In 1990, Prime minister Nawaz Sharif travelled to the U.S. to solve the
nuclear crises after the U.S. had tightened its economic embargo on Pakistan,
prompting Sharif and then-Treasure Minister Sartaj Aziz to held talks on Washington.
[32]
 It was widely reported in Pakistan that the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Teresita
Schaffer had told the Foreign Minister Shahabzada Yaqub Khan to halt the uranium
enrichment programme.[32] In December 1990, France's Commissariat à l'énergie
atomique agreed to provide a commercial 900MW power plant, but plans did not
materialize as France wanted Pakistan to provide entire financial funds for the plant.
Furthermore, the U.S. Ambassador Robert Oakley further influenced on the project,
showing growing concerns of the U.S. on the agreement. [32] While talking to U.S. media,
Nawaz Sharif declared that: "Pakistan possessed no [atomic] bomb... Pakistan would be
happy to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) but it must be provided "first" to
India to do the same". [32] After France's project was cancelled, Nawaz Sharif
successfully held talks with the China to build the largest commercial nuclear
plant, CHASNUPP-I in Chasma city in Pakistan.[32]
In 1995, Prime minister Benazir Bhutto made a final visit to U.S. urging President Bill
Clinton to amend the Pressler Amendment and emphasized the United States to launch
a campaign against extremism, with Pakistan allying with the United States. [33] Prime
 17

minister Benazir Bhutto was successful in passing the Brown Amendment, but the
embargo on arms remained active. During the United States trip, Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto faced heated criticism and opposition on the nuclear weapons program, who
however responded fiercely and in turn sharply criticized U.S.'s nonproliferation policy
and demanded that the United States honor its contractual obligation. [33] Although
Benazir was able to convince the U.S. business community to invest in Pakistan, she
was unable to revert the economic embargo which kept investment away from the
country.[33]

Nawaz Sharif meeting with William Cohen, Secretary of Defense, 1998.

In 1998, Prime minister Nawaz Sharif ordered to conduct first nuclear tests after Benazir
Bhutto called for the tests (see Chagai-I and Chagai-II), in response to Indian nuclear
tests (see Pokhran-II). Nawaz Sharif's ordering the nuclear tests was met with great
hostility and ire in the United States after President Clinton placing the economic
embargo on Pakistan. The relations were also refrained and strained after Nawaz Sharif
became involved with Kargil war with India, while India's relations with Israel and U.S.
greatly enhanced. Soon after the tests, Benazir Bhutto publicly announced her believe
that her father was "sent to the gallows at the instance of the superpower for pursuing
the nuclear capability, [34] though she did not disclose the name of the power. [35] In 1999,
Benazir leaked the information that Nawaz Sharif would be deposed that there is
(nothing) that Americans[36] want to support Nawaz Sharif or the democracy in Pakistan.
[36]
 After the military coup was commenced against Nawaz Sharif, the President Clinton
criticized the coup demanding the restoration of democracy but did not favor the mass
demonstration against the military regime as the coup, at that time, was popular. In
conclusion, both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto refused to make compromises with
respect to the country's nuclear deterrence, instead building infrastructure despite U.S.
objections.[34]
Cold war legacies and trade sanctions[edit]
CENTO and SEATO[edit]
Pakistan was a leading member of the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and
the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) from its adoption in 1954–55 and
allied itself with the United States during the most of the Cold war. In 1971–72, Pakistan
ended its alliance with the United States after the East-Pakistan war in which East
Pakistan successfully seceded with the aid of India. The promise of economic aid from
the United States was instrumental in creating these agreements. At the time the pact
 18

was adopted, Pakistan's relationship with the United States was the friendliest in Asia.
[citation needed]

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the United States refused to provide any military
support to as against its pledged. This generated widespread anti-American feelings
and emotions in Pakistan that the United States was no longer a reliable ally. According
to C. Christine Fair, the U.S. cut off arms supplies because Pakistan "started the war
with India by using regular military personnel disguised as mujahideen." According to
Fair, in 1971 "the Pakistanis were angry at the U.S. again, for not bailing them out
from another war they started against India."[30]
Trade embargo[edit]
In April 1979, the United States suspended most economic assistance to Pakistan over
concerns about Pakistan's atomic bomb project under the Foreign Assistance Act.[37]

Military science programmes[edit]

Main article: Pakistan–United States military relations

Pakistan and atomic weapons[edit]

In 1955, after Prime minister Huseyn Suhrawardy established nuclear power to ease of
the electricity crises, with U.S. offering grant of US$350,000 to acquire a commercial
nuclear power plant.[38] Following this year, the PAEC signed an agreement with
counterpart, the United States Atomic Energy Commission, where the research on
nuclear power and training was started initially by the United States. During the 1960s,
the U.S. opens doors to Pakistan's scientists and engineers to conduct research on
leading institutions of the U.S., notably ANL, ORNL, and LLNL. In 1965, Abdus
Salam went to U.S. and convinced the U.S. government to help establish a national
institute of nuclear research in Pakistan (PINSTECH) and a research reactor Parr-I.
[38]
 The PINSTECH building was designed by leading American architect Edward Durrell
Stone; American nuclear engineer Peter Karter designed the reactor, which was then
supplied by the contractor American Machine and Foundry.[38] Years later, the U.S.
helped Pakistan to acquire its first commercial nuclear power plant, Kanupp-I, from GE
Canada in 1965.[38] All this nuclear infrastructure was established by the U.S. throughout
the 1960s, as part of the Congressional Atoms for Peace program.[38]

The leadership of both nations meeting in a high-level state dinner in Islamabad, 2006.
 19

This was changed after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and democratic socialists under him decided
to build nuclear weapons for the sake of their national security and survival. [38] In 1974,
U.S. imposed embargo and restriction on Pakistan to limit its nuclear weapons program.
[38]
 In the 1980s, the American concerns of Pakistan's role in nuclear proliferation
eventually turned out to be true after the exposure of nuclear programs of Iran, North
Korea, Saudi Arabia and Libya.[38] Although the atomic program was effectively peaceful
and devoted for economical usage, the nuclear policy change in the 1970s and till the
present, with Pakistan maintaining its program as part of the strategic deterrence. [38]
In the 1980s, the plan to recognize national security concerns and accepting Pakistan'
assurances that it did not intend to construct a nuclear weapon, Congress waived
restrictions (Symington Amendment) on military assistance to Pakistan. In October
1980, a high-level delegation and CMLA General Zia-ul-Haq travels to U.S., first
meeting with former president Richard Nixon.[39] Although, the meeting was to discuss
the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Nixon made it clear he is in favor of Pakistan gaining
nuclear weapons capability, while correcting that he is not in a race for the presidential
elections.[39] The following year, Agha Shahi made it clear to Alexander Haig that
Pakistan "won't make a compromise" on its nuclear weapons program, but assured the
U.S. that the country had adopted the policy of deliberate ambiguity, refraining itself to
conduct nuclear tests to avoid or create divergence in the relations. [39]
In March 1986, the two countries agreed on a second multi-year (FY 1988–93) $4-billion
economic development and security assistance program. On October 1, 1990, however,
the United States suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Pakistan
under the Pressler Amendment, which required that the President certify annually that
Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device."
India's decision to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's response set back
US relations in the region, which had seen renewed US interest during the second
Clinton Administration. A presidential visit scheduled for the first quarter of 1998 was
postponed and, under the Glenn Amendment, sanctions restricted the provision of
credits, military sales, economic assistance, and loans to the government.
Nonproliferation and security[edit]
Since 1998, the governments of both countries have started an intensive dialogue on
nuclear nonproliferation and security issues. First meeting took place in 1998
between Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad and Deputy Secretary of State Strobe
Talbott to discuss the issues focusing on CTBT signature and
ratification, FMCT negotiations, export controls, and a nuclear restraint regime.  The
[40]

October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif government triggered an

additional layer of sanctions under Section 508 of the Foreign Appropriations Act which
includes restrictions on foreign military financing and economic assistance. US
Government assistance to Pakistan was limited mainly to refugee and counter-narcotics
assistance."[41] At the height of the nuclear proliferation case in 2004, President George
Bush delivering a policy statement at the National Defense University, President Bush
proposed to reform the IAEA to combat the nuclear proliferation and quoted: "No state,
under investigation for proliferation violations, should be allowed to serve on the IAEA
 20

Board of Governors—or on the new special committee. And any state currently on the
Board that comes under investigation should be suspended from the Board." [42]
Bush's proposal was seen as targeted against Pakistan, which is an influential member
of IAEA since the 1960s and serves on the Board of Governors; it did not receive
attention from other world governments. In 2009, Pakistan has repeatedly blocked
the Conference on Disarmament (CD) from implementing its agreed program of work,
despite severe pressure from the major nuclear powers to end its defiance of 64 other
countries in blocking international ban on the production of new nuclear bomb-making
material, as well as discussions on full nuclear disarmament, the arms race in outer
space, and security assurances for non-nuclear states. [43] The Chairman Joint
Chiefs General Tariq Majid justified Pakistan's action and outline the fact that atomic
deterrence against a possible aggression was a compulsion, and not a choice for
Pakistan.[44] He further justified that "a proposed fissile material cutoff treaty would target
Pakistan specifically.[45]
On December 10, 2012, the Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification, and
Compliance Rose Gottemoeller and Additional Secretary for United Nations and
Economic Coordination Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry co-chaired the Pakistan-U.S. Security,
Strategic Stability, and Nonproliferation (SSS&NP) Working Group in Islamabad.
Gottemoeller traveled to Pakistan after former Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam
Saran wrote in an article that, "Pakistan had moved its nuclear doctrine from minimum
deterrence to second strike capability and expanded its arsenal to include tactical
weapons that can be delivered by short-range missiles like the Hatf-IX.[46] The meeting
ended with an agreement on continuing dialogue on a range of issues related to the
bilateral relationship, including international efforts to enhance nuclear security and
peaceful applications of nuclear energy.[47]
Space programme[edit]
In the 1990s, U.S. and the Missile Technology Control Regime put restrictions on
Pakistan's space program in amid fear that the country's alleged covert development of
missile programs. The U.S. began cooperation with Pakistan in peaceful space
technology in the 1960s after establishing the Sonmiani Terminal in 1961, constructing
an airfield and launch pad. In 1962, the Space Research Commission launched the first
solid-fuel rocket, Rehbar-I, built with close interaction with the U.S. NASA. Launching of
the rocket made Pakistan the first South Asian country and tenth country in the world to
carrying out the launch of the rocket. During the 1962 and 1972, approximately
200 rockets were fired from the Sonmiani, but this cooperation waned after 1972.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, U.S. tightened its embargo and construction on
Pakistan's space development, and in 1998, putting restrictions and sanctions on
premier astronautics research department, DESTO, although the sanctions were
uplifted in 2001 by the Bush Administration.

Relations since 2001[edit]

 21

Pervez Musharraf with President Bush.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001 in the United States, Pakistan became a key
ally in the war on terror with the United States. In 2001, US President George W.
Bush pressured the government into joining the US the war on terror. Pervez
Musharraf acknowledges the payments received for captured terrorists in his book:
We've captured 689 and handed over 369 to the United States. We've earned bounties
totaling millions of dollars

— Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf

In 2003, the US officially forgave US$1 billion in Pakistani debt in a ceremony in
Pakistan in turn for Pakistan joining the US 'war on terror'. "Today's signing represents a
promise kept and another milestone in our expanding partnership," US Ambassador
Nancy Powell said in a statement, "The forgiveness of $1 billion in bilateral debt is just
one piece of a multifaceted, multi-billion dollar assistance package." The new
relationship between the United States and Pakistan is not just about September 11,'
Powell said. "It is about the rebirth of a long-term partnership between our two
countries." However, Pakistan support of the U.S. and its war has angered many
Pakistanis that do not support it.
In October 2005, Condoleezza Rice made a statement where she promised that the
United States will support the country's earthquake relief efforts and help it rebuild" after
the Kashmir earthquake.[48]
Alliance with United States[edit]
Prior to the September 11 attacks in 2001, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were key supporters of the Taliban in
Afghanistan, as part of their "strategic depth" objective vis-a-vis India, Iran, and Russia.
[citation needed]

After 9/11, Pakistan, led by General Pervez Musharraf, reversed course as they were
under pressure from the United States and joined the "War on Terror" as a U.S. ally.
Having failed to convince the Taliban to hand over bin Laden and other members of Al
Qaeda, Pakistan provided the U.S. a number of military airports and bases for its attack
on Afghanistan, along with other logistical support. [citation needed] Since 2001, Pakistan has
arrested over five hundred Al-Qaeda members and handed them over to the United
 22

States; senior U.S. officers have been lavish in their praise of Pakistani efforts in public
while expressing their concern that not enough was being done in private. However,
General Musharraf was strongly supported by the Bush administration. [citation needed]

Pakistan Prime minister Shaukat Aziz shakes hands with President George Walker Bush.

In return for their support, Pakistan had sanctions lifted and has received about $10
billion in U.S. aid since 2001, primarily military. In June 2004, President George W.
Bush designated Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, [49] making it eligible, among other
things, to purchase advanced American military technology.
Pakistan has lost thousands of lives since joining the U.S. war on terror in the form of
both soldiers and civilians and was going through a critical period, however many areas
of Pakistan are becoming terror free. [neutrality is disputed] Suicide bombs were commonplace in
Pakistan, whereas they were unheard of prior to 9/11. [citation needed] The Taliban have been
resurgent in recent years in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hundreds of thousands of
refugees have been created internally in Pakistan, as they have been forced to flee their
homes as a result of fighting between Pakistani forces and the Taliban in the regions
bordering Afghanistan and further in Swat. [citation needed]
A key campaign argument of US President Barack Obama was that the US had made
the mistake of "putting all our eggs in one basket" in the form of General Musharraf. [citation
needed]
 Musharraf was eventually forced out of office under the threat of impeachment,
after years of political protests by lawyers, civilians and other political parties in
Pakistan. With Obama coming into office, the U.S. is expected to triple non-military aid
to Pakistan to $1.5 billion per year over 10 years, and to tie military aid to progress in
the fight against militants. The purpose of the aid is to help strengthen the relatively new
democratic government led by President Zardari and to help strengthen civil institutions
and the general economy in Pakistan and to put in place an aid program that is broader
in scope than just supporting Pakistan's military.
Aid from the United States since 9/11[edit]
See also: Foreign aid to Pakistan

Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally as part of the War on Terrorism, and a leading

recipient of U.S. aid.[50] Between 2002–2013, Pakistan received $26 billion in economic
and military aid and sales of military equipment. The equipment included eighteen new
F-16 aircraft, eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, 6,000 TOW anti-tank missiles,
500 AMRAM air-to-air missiles, 6 C-130 transport aircraft, 20 Cobra attack helicopters,
and a Perry-class missile frigate. About half of the aid package was disbursed during
 23

the Bush administration and other half during the Obama administration. The aid during
the Obama administration was more economic than military. [2]
Trust deficit issues[edit]
In 2008, NSA Director Mike McConnell confronted ISI Director Ahmad Shuja Pasha, claiming that the ISI was
tipping off jihadists so that they could escape in advance of American attacks against
them.[30]
On 11 June 2008, the Gora Prai airstrike, on the Afghan-Pakistani border, killed 10
members of the paramilitary Frontier Corps. The Pakistani military condemned the
airstrike as an act of aggression, souring the relations between the two countries.
[51]
 However, after the drone attacks in June, President Bush had said 'Pakistan is strong
ally '.[52] Western officials have claimed nearly 70%( roughly $3.4 billion) of the aid given
to the Pakistani military has been misspent in 2002–2007. However U.S.-Pakistani
relationship has been a transactional based and US military aid to Pakistan has been
shrouded in secrecy for several years until recently. [53][54][55][56][57] Furthermore, a
significant proportion of US economic aid for Pakistan has ended up back in the US as
funds are channeled through large US contractors. US Representative Gary
Ackerman also said a large sum of US economic aid has not left the US as it spent on
consulting fees and overhead cost.[58][59]
In the November 2008 Mumbai Attacks, the United States informed Pakistan that it
expected full cooperation in the hunt for the plotters of the attacks.
Border engagement and skirmishes[edit]
See also: Pakistan-United States skirmishes, Pakistan and state terrorism, Drone attacks in Pakistan,
and United States and state terrorism

The United States and Pakistan have experienced several military confrontations on
the Durand Line. These skirmishes took place between American forces deployed
in Afghanistan, and Pakistani troops guarding the border. On November 26, 2011, 24
Pakistani soldiers were killed in an aerial attack on Pakistani positions near the border.
The attack further damaged US-Pakistani relations with many in Pakistan calling for a
more hardline stance against the United States. [60]

Afghan war factor in Pakistan–United States relations[edit]

Main articles: War in Afghanistan (2001–present), India-United States relations, New Great Game, Taliban,
and Northern Alliance

Present US-Pakistan relations are a case study on the difficulties of diplomacy and
policy-making in a multipolar world. Pakistan has important geopolitical significance for
both India and China, making unilateral action almost impossible for the US. At the
same time, Pakistan remains a key player in American efforts in Afghanistan. The two
countries are trying to build a strategic partnership, but there remains a significant trust
deficit, which continues to hinder successful cooperation in combating common threats.
Despite recent setbacks, both Pakistan and the United States continue to seek a
productive relationship to defeat terrorist organizations. [61] It has been alleged that
the ISI pays journalists to write articles hostile to the United States. [30]
 24

2009: U.S. military and economic aid[edit]

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attending meeting with then Prime Minister Raza Gillani during an

October 2009 visit to Islamabad.

Circular diagram showing 96% of U.S. funding to Pakistan in military efforts and 1% in development
efforts.

On 14 September 2009, former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, admitted that

American foreign aid to Pakistan had been diverted from its original purpose of fighting
the Taliban to preparing for war against neighboring India.[62] The United States
government has responded by stating that it will take these allegations seriously.
[63]
 However Pervez Musharraf also said, '"Wherever there is a threat to Pakistan, we will
use it [the equipment] there. If the threat comes from al-Qaeda or Taliban, it will be used
there. If the threat comes from India, we will most surely use it there." [62]
In late 2009, Hillary Clinton made a speech in Pakistan about the war against the
militants and said: "...we commend the Pakistani military for their courageous fight, and
we commit to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistani people in your fight for
peace and security."[64]
In October 2009, the US Congress approved $7.5 billion of non-military aid to Pakistan
over the next five years via the Kerry-Lugar Bill. In February 2010, US President Barack
Obama sought to increase funds to Pakistan to "promote economic and political stability
in strategically important regions where the United States has special security interests".
[50]
 Obama also sought $3.1 billion aid for Pakistan to defeat Al Qaeda for 2010.[65]
 25

On December 1, 2009, President Barack Obama in a speech on a policy about Pakistan

said "In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly. Those
days are over.... The Pakistani people must know America will remain a strong
supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent so
that the great potential of its people can be unleashed." [66] President Obama also said,
"In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly, those days
are over. Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built
on a foundation of mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual trust" and that the two
countries "share a common enemy' in combating Islamic extremism." [67]
In the aftermath of a thwarted bombing attempt on a 2009 Northwest Airlines flight, the
U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a new set of screening
guidelines that includes pat-downs for passengers from countries of interest, which
includes Pakistan.[68] In a sign of widening fissures between the two allies, on January
21, Pakistan declined a request by the United States to launch new offensives on
militants in 2010.[69] Pakistan say it "can't launch any new offensives against militants for
six months to a year because it wants to 'stabilize' previous gains made. However, the
US praises Pakistan's military effort against the militants. [70] Furthermore Pakistan
president, in meeting with the U.S. delegation, had said Pakistan "had suffered a... loss
of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against
militancy." But the President also called for "greater Pak-U.S. cooperation".
2010: Coalition partnership issues[edit]
In February 2010, Anne W. Patterson (U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan) said that the
United States is committed to a partnership with Pakistan and further said “Making this
commitment to Pakistan while the U.S. is still recovering from the effects of the global
recession reflects the strength of our vision. Yet we have made this commitment,
because we see the success of Pakistan, its economy, its civil society and its
democratic institutions as important for ourselves, for this region and for the world.” [66]
Between 2002–2010, Pakistan received approximately $18 billion [71] in military and
economic aid from the United States. In February 2010, the Obama administration
requested an additional $3 billion in aid, for a total of $20.7 billion. [72]
In mid-February 2010, after the capture of the second most powerful Taliban, Abdul
Ghani Baradar in Pakistan by Pakistani forces, the White House hailed the operation.
Furthermore, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that this is a "big success
for our mutual efforts(Pakistan and United States)in the region" and praised Pakistan for
the capture, saying it was a sign of increased cooperation with the US in the terror fight.
[73]

In March, Richard Holbrooke, then US special envoy to Pakistan, said that US-Pakistani

relations have seen "significant improvement" under Obama. He also said, "No
government on earth has received more high-level attention" than Pakistan. [74][75]
 26

2011: American accusations and attacks in Pakistan[edit]

U.S. President Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

2011 was rated by the BBC as a "disastrous year" for Pakistan-U.S. relations, primarily
due to three events: the Raymond Allen Davis incident, the death of Osama bin
Laden and the Salala incident.[76] As early as 2005, Western criticism against Pakistan
grew and many European and American political correspondents criticized Pakistan at
the public level.[77] The London-based The Economist in fact observed: "As an American
ally, Pakistan has become an embarrassment for the United States." [77] In January 2011,
the Raymond Allen Davis incident occurred in which Raymond Davis, an alleged private
security contractor, shot dead two Pakistani locals after they attempted to rob him. The
action sparked protests in Pakistan and threatened relations between the United States
and Pakistan, including aid flows. [78] Pakistan prosecuted him despite US demands for
him to be freed because he enjoys diplomatic immunity.[78] Ultimately he was freed after
the United States made payments to the families of the slain Pakistanis, but the incident
was emblematic of the volatile nature of American-Pakistani relations. In spite of this
rocky relationship, the United States remains committed to assisting Pakistan's new
democratic government in the areas of development, stability, and security. [79]
The CIA had long suspected Osama Bin Laden of hiding in Pakistan.[80][81] India and US
have also accused Pakistan of giving safe-haven to the Taliban.[82] However, Pakistan
has repeatedly denied these accusations.
The attack on the US embassy and the NATO headquarters in Kabul were blamed on
the Haqqani Network, which US Admiral Mike Mullen called "a veritable arm of
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency."[83][84] Pakistan reacted by recalling its
finance minister who was on a visit to the U.N. [85] Pakistan also tried to strengthen the
relationship with China and Saudi Arabia to counter the U.S. [86] The Chinese
government advised Pakistan against any commitments that could jeopardize China's
relationships with US and India. [87] The United States reissued a call urging Pakistan to
act against the Haqqani Network or else the US would be forced to take on the threat
unilaterally.[88] Islamic groups in Pakistan, issued a fatwa proclaiming Jihad against the
US.[89] This was followed by Pakistan threatening the US with retaliation, if the US went
ahead with unilateral action against the Haqqani network. [90]
In May 2011, Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad was killed and in September, The
New Yorker reported that the order to kill Shahzad came from an officer on
General Kayani's staff. In July Admiral Mullen alleged that Shahzad's killing had been
"sanctioned by the government" of Pakistan, [91] but the ISI denied any involvement in the
Shahzad murder.
 27

In was reported in 2011 that academics and journalists in the United States have been
approached by Inter-Services Intelligence spies, who threatened them not to speak
about the Balochistan independence movement, as well as human rights abuses by the
Pakistani Army, or else their families would be harmed.[92]
Collapse of alliance and death of Osama bin Laden[edit]
See also: Death of Osama bin Laden and 2011 NATO attack in Pakistan

Diagram of Osama bin Laden's hideout, showing the high concrete walls that surround the
compound

Osama bin Laden, then head of the militant group al-Qaeda, was killed in Pakistan on
May 2, 2011, shortly after 1 a.m. local time[93][94] by a United States special
forces military unit. The operation, codenamed Operation Neptune Spear, was ordered
by United States President Barack Obama and carried out in a US Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA) operation by a team of United States Navy SEALs from the United States
Naval Special Warfare Development Group (also known as DEVGRU or informally by
its former name, SEAL Team Six) of the Joint Special Operations Command, with
support from CIA operatives on the ground.[95][96]
According to Obama administration officials, US officials did not share information about
the raid with the government of Pakistan until it was over. [97][98] Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen called Pakistan's army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at
about 3 a.m. local time to inform him of the Abbottabad Operation. [99]
According to the Pakistani foreign ministry, the operation was conducted entirely by US
forces.[100] Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials said they were also present
at what they called a joint operation; [101] President Asif Ali Zardari flatly denied this.
[102]
 Pakistan's foreign secretary Salman Bashir later confirmed that Pakistani military
had scrambled F-16s after they became aware of the attack but that they reached the
compound after American helicopters had left. [103]
2012–13: American sentiment against Pakistan[edit]
Main articles: Anti-Pakistan sentiment in the United States, Allegations of support system in Pakistan for
Osama bin Laden, and Anti-American sentiment in Pakistan
 28

American Chairman of Joint Chiefs Peter Pace seen saluting the Pakistan's inter-services in

Islamabad.

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, Pakistani-Americans have been targeted more
often in hate crime attacks. Pakistani Americans are subjected to greater scrutiny in
airport security checks. Up to 45,000 of the estimated 100,000-strong Pakistani
community in New York were deported or left voluntarily following the attacks.
[104]
 Following these attacks, many Pakistanis have identified themselves as Indians to
avoid discrimination and obtain jobs (Pakistan was created as a result of the partition of
India in 1947).[105]
Since some in the U.S. government claimed that they had caught bin Laden without
Pakistani help, numerous allegations were made that the government of Pakistan had
shielded bin Laden.[101][106][107] Critics cited the very close proximity of bin Laden's heavily
fortified compound to the Pakistan Military Academy, that the US chose not to notify
Pakistani authorities before the operation and the double standards of Pakistan
regarding the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.[107][108][109] US government files,
leaked by WikiLeaks, disclosed that American diplomats had been told that Pakistani
security services were tipping off bin Laden every time US forces approached.
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), also helped smuggle al-Qaeda militants into
Afghanistan to fight NATO troops.
According to the leaked files, in December 2009, the government of Tajikistan had also
told US officials that many in Pakistan were aware of bin Laden's whereabouts. [110]
CIA chief Leon Panetta said the CIA had ruled out involving Pakistan in the operation,
because it feared that "any effort to work with the Pakistanis could jeopardize the
mission. They might alert the targets." [111] However, Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton stated that "cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the
compound in which he was hiding." [112] Obama echoed her sentiments.[113] John O.
Brennan, Obama's chief counterterrorism advisor, said that it was inconceivable that bin
Laden did not have support from within Pakistan. He further stated, "People have been
referring to this as hiding in plain sight. We are looking at how he was able to hide out
there for so long."[114]
In 2012, Shakil Afridi, a doctor who had set up a fake vaccination campaign – in
cooperation with the United States in searching for Al Qaeda and bin Laden – was
convicted of treason by Pakistan, and sentenced to 33 years in prison. [115][116] The United
 29

States Congress voted to cut 33 million dollars in aid to Pakistan: 1 million dollars for
every year that Shakil Afridi was sentenced to prison. [117]
2014 and 2015: Rapprochement[edit]

In 2015, US handed over MRAPs to Pakistan.

Following years of poor inter-governmental relations, the two countries began to

cooperate more closely – particularly following the United States' use of drone missiles
to strike at Pakistan's most-wanted militant Mullah Fazlullah on November 24, 2014,
whom they "narrowly missed".[118] The United States later used drone missiles to kill
several of Pakistan's most wanted militants who were hiding in a remote region close to
the Afghan border in November 2014. The Pakistani Zarb-e-Azb operation against
militant in North Waziristan also, in the words of Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, "fractured"
the Haqqani Network—long accused by the United States of having a safe harbor in
Pakistan.[118] The United States then captured and transferred a senior Taliban
commander, Latif Mehsud, to Pakistan, which had been seeking his arrest. [119] Following
an unprecedented two-week-long visit by Pakistan's most senior military official
Gen. Raheel Sharif, Rep. Adam Schiff stated that US-Pakistani relations were on the
upswing following several tense years of dysfunction. Pakistan further killed senior Al-
Qaeda leader Adnan el Shukrijumah—long wanted by the United States. [120] Warming of
relations, and increased security cooperation, between Afghanistan and Pakistan were
also positive developments by the United States, which had long tried to mend relations
between the two countries.[121]
On 7 May 2015, according to an internal report prepared by Congressional Research
Service, Pakistan has made full payment from its national funds towards the purchase
of 18 new F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 52 combat aircraft worth US$1.43 billion. Also
including F-16 armaments including 500 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; 1,450 2,000-
pound bombs; 500 JDAM Tail Kits for gravity bombs; and 1,600 Enhanced Paveway
laser-guided kits. All this has cost Pakistan US$629 million. Pakistan has also paid
US$298 million for 100 harpoon anti-ship missiles, 500 sidewinder air-to-air missiles
(US$95 million); and seven Phalanx Close-In Weapons System naval guns (US$80
million). Under Coalition Support Funds (in the Pentagon budget), Pakistan received 26
Bell 412EP utility helicopters, along with related parts and maintenance, valued at
US$235 million.[122]
On February 11, 2016, US government has proposed US$860 million in aid for Pakistan
during the 2016–17 fiscal year, including $265 million for military hardware in addition to
counterinsurgency funds.[123]
 30

2017: New Afghan Policy[edit]

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan with US President Donald Trump in 2019

On August 21, 2017, Donald Trump announced his new strategy for Afghan War and
accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists. "The Pakistani people have
suffered greatly from terrorism and extremism. We recognize those contributions and
those sacrifices, but Pakistan has also sheltered the same organizations that try every
single day to kill our people", Trump said. [124] Moreover, Trump also urged India for its
role in the war which was seen, by many in Pakistan, as an anti-Pak strategy.
[125]
 Trump's speech led to rise of anti-American sentiments in Pakistan and protests
against Trump were held across the country. [126] Two months later, Trump tweeted that
he was starting to develop better relations with the Pakistani government. [127]
On January 1, 2018, Donald Trump again criticized Pakistan, saying "they have given
us nothing but lies and deceit".[128]

Meetings between Pakistani and U.S. leaders[edit]

Visits by leaders of Pakistan[129][edit]

Visitor Date Description

Official visit. Afterward visited New York City, Chicago, San

Prime Minister Liaquat Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, New Orleans (Louisiana),
May 3–5, 1950
Ali Khan Schenectady (New York), and Boston (Massachusetts). Departed
U.S. May 30.
 31

Governor General Malik November 8– Met with President Eisenhower after obtaining medical treatment
Ghulam Muhammad 13, 1953 in Boston.

P.M Muhammad Ali October 14–21,

Official guest.
Bogra 1954

Official visit. Afterward visited Colorado Springs (Colorado), the

Huseyn Shaheed July 10–13, Grand Canyon (Arizona), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake
Suhrawardy 1957 City (Utah), Omaha (Nebraska), Detroit (Michigan), and New York
City. Departed U.S. July 27.

State visit. Addressed U.S. Congress July 12. Afterward visited

Field Marshal Ayub July 11–14,
New York City, Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), San Antonio, Austin,
Khan 1961
and the LBJ Ranch (Texas). Departed U.S. July 18.

Field Marshal Ayub September 24, Informal meeting at Newport (Rhode Island). Afterward visited
Khan 1962 Washington and New York City. Departed U.S. September 27.

Field Marshal Ayub December 14–

State visit. Arrived in U.S. December 12; visited New York City.
Khan 16, 1965

October 24–25, Attended White House dinner on 25th Anniversary of the U.N; met
General Yahya Khan
1970 privately with Richard Nixon on October 25.

September 18– Official visit. In U.S. September 17–24; visited Williamsburg, San
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
20, 1973 Francisco, and New York City.

February 4–7, Official visit. Afterward visited New York City. Departed U.S.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
1975 February 8.

October 3,
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq Private visit while attending U.N. General Assembly session.
1980

December 6–9, State visit; visited New York City, Houston, Sacramento, and San
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
1982 Francisco. Departed U.S. December 14.
 32

October 23, Met with President Reagan in New York City at reception and
Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
1985 luncheon at the U.N.

Muhammad Khan July 15–18, Official Visit; visited Orlando (Fla.) and New York City. Departed
Junejo 1986 U.S. July 22.

Official Visit; visited Boston and New York City. Departed U.S.
Benazir Bhutto June 5–7, 1989
June 10.

Arrived in U.S. May 21; departed June 1. Also visited Rochester,

May 23–27,
Farooq Leghari NY. Met with President Bill Clinton during a private visit. Later
1994
visited New York City.

April 9–11, Official working visit. Arrived in the U.S. April 5; also visited New
Benazir Bhutto
1995 York City and Los Angeles. Departed the U.S. April 14.

September 22, Met with President Bill Clinton at the UN General Assembly in

Nawaz Sharif
1997 New York City.

September 21, Met with President Clinton at the U.N. General Assembly in New
Nawaz Sharif
1998 York City.

December 1,
Nawaz Sharif Official working visit.
1998

Discussed the Kashmir conflict with President Bill Clinton during a

Nawaz Sharif July 4–5, 1999
private visit.

President Pervez November 10, Met with George W. Bush at the UN General Assembly in New
Musharraf 2001 York City.

President Pervez February 12–

Official Working Visit.
Musharraf 14, 2002

President Pervez September 12, Met with President Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York
 33

Musharraf 2002 City.

Working visit. Met with President Bush in Washington, DC

President Pervez June 23–27,
and Camp David. Arrived in Boston June 20; later visited Los
Musharraf 2003
Angeles.

President Pervez September 24, Met with President Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York
Musharraf 2003 City.

Prime September 30-

Minister Zafarullah Khan October 4, Working visit, meet U.S. President
Jamali 2003

President Pervez September 21– Met with President Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York
Musharraf 22, 2004 City.

President Pervez December 3–4,

Working visit.
Musharraf 2004

Prime Minister Shaukat January 22–24, Working visit. Arrived in the U.S. January 19; also visited New
Aziz 2006 York City and Boston.

September 20–
Pervez Musharraf Working visit.
22, 2006

September 27,
Pervez Musharraf Also met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on September 27.
2006

July 27–30,
Yousaf Raza Gillani Working visit.
2008

September 23, Met with President Bush at the UN General Assembly in New York
Asif Ali Zardari
2008 City.

Asif Ali Zardari September 24– Attended a meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan in New
 34

25, 2009 York City

April 11–13,
Yousaf Raza Gillani Attended the Nuclear Security Summit.
2010

January 14,
Asif Ali Zardari attended Richard Holbrooke's memorial service.
2011

Asif Ali Zardari May 21, 2012 Met with President Obama at the NATO summit in Chicago.

October 20–23,
Nawaz Sharif Met with President Obama at the Oval Office.
2013

July 21-23,
Imran Khan Met with President Trump at the Oval Office
2019

Visits By Presidents of the United States[130][edit]

Visitor Date Description

Informal visit to Karachi; met with President Ayub

Dwight D. Eisenhower December 7–9, 1959
Khan.

Lyndon B. Johnson December 23, 1967 Visit to Karachi; met with President Ayub Khan.

Richard Nixon August 1–2, 1969 State visit; met with President Yahya Khan.

Bill Clinton March 25, 2000 Met with Pervez Musharraf; delivered radio address.

George W. Bush March 3–4, 2006 visit to Islamabad, met with Pervez Musharraf.

Military aid from the United States[edit]

See also: Foreign aid to Pakistan
 35

70,000 civilians and more than 10,000 troops and policemen in Pakistan have died
fighting the American war on terror, for which the United States has promised to fulfill all
the expenditures of the war. However, according to Pakistani officials the US has not
compensated as much as half of that money, but has only claimed so in the media. [citation
needed]
 Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally as part of the War on Terrorism and provides
key intelligence and logistical support for the United States. A leading recipient of US
military assistance, Pakistan expects to receive approximately $20 billion since 2001 a
combination of reimbursement to Pakistan and training programs for the Pakistan
counter-terrorism units. However, in the aftermath of the Osama Bin Laden raid,
Pakistan Army canceled a $500 million training program and sent all 135 trainers home.
The United States showed displeasure at this act and withheld a further $300 million in
assistance.[131]
Some politicians in Pakistan argue the war on terror has cost the Pakistani economy
$70 billion and U.S. aid costs the country more in the long term, leading to accusations
that the US is making Pakistan a client state.[132]
On 31 May 2012, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) called for the United States to
suspend all aid to Pakistan and grant citizenship to a doctor who was jailed for helping
hunt down Osama bin Laden.[133]
Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad demanded a
"complete isolation policy" for Pakistan. He said that if Pakistan does not stop backing
radicalism and extremism, the United States should suspend all aid to it and treat it as a
second North Korea.[134]
On 5 January 2018, US suspended about $2 billion in security aid to Pakistan for failing
to clamp down on the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network terror groups and
dismantle their safe havens, a White House official said.
The freezing of all security assistance to Pakistan comes after President Donald Trump
in a New Year's Day tweet accused the country of giving nothing to the US but "lies and
deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last.
[135]

Dispute over $300 million of military aid being postponed by

Department of Defense[edit]
On September 1, 2018, the Department of Defense announced that they would
postpone the transfer of approximately $300 million in military aid to Pakistan.
According to The Economic Times Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi
stated, "The USD 300 million is neither aid nor assistance – it is the money Pakistan
spent from its resources against militants and in the war against terrorism. This is the
money they (US) are supposed to reimburse, but now either they are not willing or
unable to pay back."[136] The US is stating that the aid was part of the Coalition Support
Fund (CFS) and was not previously owed to the country. The reason for the additional
removal of aid, since the initial $500 million aid withdrawal in January 2018, is due to a
lack of effort by the Pakistan Government in combating terrorist organizations in their
country.[137][138] The issue over the funding caused tensions in both countries. On
September 5, 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan, the first visit of
 36

the Trump administration, but did not discuss the postponement of aid to the country. [139]
[140]

Cultural influence[edit]
According to the Washington Post, American culture has heavily penetrated Pakistan. In
the past decade, the introduction of US cinema, US fashion and US Cuisine have
proliferated Pakistan. In particular, the introduction of American apple pies, US-style
diners similar to the Sonic Drive-In on Pakistani motorways, Hot dog stands on the
streets of major cities, Fast food restaurants serving Chicago-style pizza as well as New
York-style pizza with the option of US style home deliveries.
The proliferation of American culture in Pakistan stands in stark contrast to the growing
resentment most Pakistanis feel toward the United States government. As a result, US
companies have heavily invested in Pakistan. Hardee's have opened restaurants in the
country and its first American-style sports bar. McDonald's has heavily invested in the
country and has been credited with introducing the concept of home deliveries. Those
businesses join existing burger joints and other American fast-food restaurants such
as Pizza Hut, KFC, Fatburger and Domino's Pizza. Taco Bell and Burger King are also
said to be looking at opening branches in Pakistan. [141] Al Jazeera's feature on 15 Jan
2016 highlighted the 'burger generation' in Pakistan, which are highly influenced by
'American culture'.[142]
Conclusion:

Pak – US relations have followed a rather un-even and predictable pattern between
two unequal powers --- close during the cold war, cool in times of detente; warm
under military rule, uneasy under civilian governments, something that irks many
Pakistanis.