[SIR

UMAR KHAN DAWAR (0325-2512225)]

1

Pak- USA relations

→ Pakistan came into being as a country with limited resources, and was desirous of US aid. Where as US desired to
check, spread of communism anywhere in the world, USA needed an ally in South Asia. USA invited Pakistan’s
Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan for a visit when such an invitation had already been made by Soviet Union.
Unfortunately, Laiqat not only accepted US invitation but also immediately visited USA and the visit to USSR was
Initial phase:

never made. This clearly showed Pakistan’s preference for USA. Because of this episode Soviet Union became
permanently annoyed, and in due course became Pakistan’s enemy.
Despite showing preference to USA, Liaqat’s visit was not very successful.
Except for this early mistake, Pakistan’s foreign policy during Liaqat Ali’s and Kh. Nazim ud din’s period was
comparatively independent and Pakistan took decisions, keeping in view, its interests.
• Pakistan condemned North Korea’s (supported by USSR) attack on South Korea (US supported). However,
Pakistan refused to commit its troops to UN force, unless US gives Pakistan surety of assistance against an Indian
attack.
- In 1950, Pakistan extended recognition to Communist China. Trade links with China were established next year.

→ + In 1953 Iskander Mirza visited USA. M.A Bogra (former Pak. ambassador to USA & considered to pro US) was
made prime minister.
+ US demands bases in Pakistan to establish a ring around USSR. In 1959 Pak gave Peshawar base to USA.
1950-58:

+ In 1954, Pakistan signs, Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement with USA.

+ In 1954, Pakistan joins SEATO
+ In 1955, Pakistan joins CENTO. These were anti- communist organisations.
+ Pakistan policy during 1954-55 was that of a loyal ally to US thus it was called ‘the most allied ally.’

→ During Ayub Khan’s period relations between the Pakistan and US further improved.
U2 incident: in May 1960, clear evidence of Pakistan, starting with US, and against Soviet Union was U2 incident.
A US plane, which was on a spying mission was shot over Soviet territory. The spy plane flew from an American
base in the Peshawar. A crisis was created & Soviet Union threatened Pakistan. However, Pakistan stood firm by
its ally.
Ayub Khan:

+ Pakistan continued to get economic and military aid from US.

+ In 1961 Ayub visited USA, and was given a warm welcome. He received one of the most lavish state receptions.
+ In 1960 US First Lady, Mrs Kennedy, visited Pakistan and was given a warm welcome.
+ It appeared as if US-Pak relations had been institutionalized during Ayub’s era.
+ In 1968 more agreements were signed between USA and Pakistan.
- However, they were also times during this period when relations between the two countries remained low.
- After the Indo-China war in 1962, USA, without consulting Pakistan started giving military assistance to India.
Pak. was offended by this.
- In 1962 Ayub visited China and in 1965 he visited USSR. Both these visits displeased, USA.
- In 1965 Indo-Pak war, USA imposed arms embargo on both India and Pakistan, but Pakistan was far more
affected by it. Pakistan did not expect this from its ally.
Yahya Khan:

→ + In 1969, Pakistan played an important role in bringing USA and China closer.
- In 1971 Indo- Pak war, India was fully supported by USSR. Whereas Pakistan got a lukewarm support from USA.
However, after separation of East Pakistan USA pressurized India, not to dismember West Pakistan.

→ Bhutto had a meeting with US officials after separation of East Pakistan Bhutto, visited USA in 1973 and
again in 1975 however, Bhutto was not considered as too pro-American. In 1972, Pakistan left SEATO.
Bhutto:

US didn’t like Bhutto’s tilt toward China and USSR. Pakistan was also criticized by US for its nuclear program that
it had started during Bhutto’s period.
- Bhutto was also criticized for his harsh dealing with opposition parties. Whereas Bhutto accused US of supporting
and aiding PNA movement.
 2 [SIR UMAR KHAN DAWAR (0325-2512225)]

→ Zia was criticized from the beginning by US administration for being a dictator in Nov, 1979. US embassy in
Islamabad was burned down and US called many senior officials back. This reached the lowest point of US
Pakistan relations. Symington amendment cuts off aid for Pakistan.
+ In December 1979, Soviet Union, attacks Afghanistan. Pakistan overnight became a front-line state against
communism. US immediately put aside its reservation against dictatorship in Pakistan and its nuclear program and
sought Pakistan’s support. US offered economic aid of $ 400 million which Zia turned down as ‘peanuts.’ In 1980
Zia visited USA.
Zia ul Haq:

In 1981, the Reagan Administration negotiated a 5-year, $3.2 billion economic and military aid package with
Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan became a key transit country for arms supplies to the Afghan resistance, as well as
home for millions of Afghan refugees, many of whom have yet to return.

- In 1985 Congress passed the Pressler Amendment that required the President to certify to Congress that
Pakistan did not possess a nuclear explosive device during the fiscal year for which the aid was provided.
President Reagan and President George H. W. Bush certified Pakistan each year until 1990.
Apart from this aid, sale of 40 F-16s & Harpoon missiles were allowed to Pakistan.
After Geneva agreement and the end of Afghan war, Pakistan loses importance for USA. USA starts criticizing
Pakistan’s nuclear program and the Zia’s dictatorship.

→ In 1990 Pressler amendment was used to suspend aid (Military & Economic) to Pakistan.
Decade of Democracy:

+ Though Pakistan was welcomed as a democracy Pakistan was continuously being pressurized on nuclear
program issue & CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty).
Both Benazir & Nawaz Sharif visited US during their terms as prime minister and received US officials in Pakistan.
Economic aid was partially restored whereas restrictions on military hardware remained.
In 1996 Benazir Bhutto visited USA.
In 1998, Pakistan went nuclear in response to India’s nuclear test. All military and economic aid to Pakistan was
suspended by US through Glenn amendment. Pakistan relations with US also became strained after Kargil war,
while US-Indian relations improved.
In 1990 US condemned military take over (by Gen Musharaf) in Pakistan.

SEATO
• South East Asia Treaty Organization
• Formed in Sep, 1954
• US, France, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand & Pakistan were member states
• The purpose of the organization was to prevent communism from spreading in the region.
• By the early 1970s, members began to withdraw from SEATO
• Pakistan formally left SEATO in 1973, because it had failed to provide Pak with assistance in its ongoing
conflict against India.
• SEATO formally disbanded in 1977

CENTO
• The Central Treaty Organization.
• Earlier also known as the Baghdad Pact.
• It was formed in 1955
• The main purpose of CENTO was to prevent spread of communism and keep peace in the Middle East.
• Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom were the member states.
• In 1959 Iraq left CENTO.
• It was dissolved in 1979.