Ans: Pak-America Relations:
In the history of international relations, the period during which Pakistan
emerged as an independent state is known as ‘the cold war era’. The era
was marked with polarization between the communist block led by the Soviet
Union and the capitalist block led by the United States of America.
Close Strategic Partners During Cold War:
The US and the USSR were trying hard to expand their respective spheres
of influence. The founders’ of Pakistan wanted to keep Pakistan out of the
power strife, but the leadership which succeeded the founding fathers made
Pakistan a committed ally of the United States. Pakistan’s first Prime
Minister Liaqat Ali Khan paid an extensive visit to America in 1950.
Americans made it clear in the same year (1950) that they wanted to contain
the expansion of the USSR and for that purpose the USA needed the help of
the countries neighbouring Russia. In 1954, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran
entered into a treaty agreement. Through this American sponsored treaty.
these three countries of the region became a part of the American block.
This treaty agreement was followed by three military alliances. Pakistan
joined the Baghdad Pact in 1955; other members were Iran, Iraq, Turkey and
the United Kingdom. Iraq withdrew its membership in 1958; in 1959 it was
reconstituted as Central Treaty Organization (CENTO).
Pakistan Joined SEATO:
In 1954 Pakistan joined the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).
This pact was sponsored by America with the main objective of containing
the expansion of the Communist philosophy and to serve as an ‘iron curtain’
around the Soviet Union. Pakistan stood out as a frontline state among the
members of this treaty. Despite all these sacrifices, Pakistan did not receive
any support or help from any of her colleagues in the treaty, during her wars
with India in 1965 and 1971.
Pakistan’s Role in China-US Rapprochement:
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came into power in 1971, he believed in a policy of non-
alignment, based on bilateralism. Under this vision he improved relations
with the USSR and the Peoples Republic of China. This was natural that
Pakistan’s relation with America were not so cordial during Bhutto era.
Sanctions were also imposed by the US. It was under the policy of non-
alignment that Pakistan decided to quit the American sponsored pacts.
Pakistan withdrew from SEATO in 1972 and CENTO in 1979.
Afghan War Factor in Pak-Us Relations:
Russian troops entered Afghanistan in December 1979, this incident proved
a golden opportunity for the Americans to humiliate her old enemy, the
USSR. Due to this development the situation took a dramatic turn and
Pakistan once again assumed the position of the most important ally in the
eyes of the Americans. Sanctions were lifted and Pakistan received
enormous amounts of military aid from America. After the fall of the Soviet
Union in 1989, Pakistan lost importance in American eyes. On September
11, 2001, the World Trade Centre in New York and other strategic positions
Americans accused Taliban and Al-qaedah for maneuvering these attacks.
in Pentagon in the USA were attacked by an unidentified group of terrorists.
Americans decided to laurich an all-out attack on international terrorism and
invited Pakistan to join the ‘international coalition’ against terrorism.
President Parvez Musharraf committed to join without hesitation.