Historical Perspective of Pakistan Usa Relations

South Asian Studies A Research Journal of South Asian Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, January – July 2014, pp. 291-304

Historical Perspective of Pakistan USA Relations; Lessons for Pakistan

Umbreen Javaid University of the Punjab. Lahore. Imrana Mushtaq Govt. College Kot Lakhpat, Lahore.

Abstract

The United States and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947 the US agreement to provide economic and military assistance to Pakistan and the latter’s partnership in the CENTO and SETO strengthened relations between the two nations. However, that US suspension of military assistance during the 1965, 1971, 1975, generated a white spread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was not a reliable ally. The soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 highlighted the common interest of Pakistan and the United States in peace and stability in South Asia. The purpose of this paper is to analyze Pakistan US relationship in historical perspective, highlighting lesson that Pakistan should learn from its past’s experiences with the US and recommended a viable strategy for the future. Key Words Cento, Seto, Taliban, War on Terror

Introduction

The United States' and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947 The U.S. agreement to provide economic and military assistance to Pakistan and the latter's partnership in the Baghdad Pact/CENTO and SEATO strengthened relations between the two nations. However, the U.S. suspension of military assistance during the 1965 lndoPakistan war generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United States was not a reliable ally. Even though the United States suspended military assistance to both countries involved in the conflict, the suspension of aid affected Pakistan much more severely. Amongst the masses, the U.S. lost all credibility in the wake of 1971 war and the, ers1 Wag_ tragic bifurcation of Pakistan. “On October 1, 1990, however, the United States suspended all military assistance and new economic aid to Pakistan...