Pak-US relations Under Trump Administration: Role of Pakistani Diaspora

Abstract

The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has been a rollercoaster ride. Lasting for almost seventy-three years, the US-Pakistan relations have been very close, despite the fact that they have seen many highs and lows. Pakistan was recognized by the United States as an independent state on August 15, 1947. After recognition, the then Governor General of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, received a congratulatory message from the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. On the same day, diplomatic relations were established between both countries, and the U.S. Department of State established the American Embassy in Karachi. In 1954, a Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement was signed between the two countries. This agreement was followed by Pakistan's decision to become a member of SEATO, join the Baghdad Pact, and also become a member of CENTO in 1959, when Iraq pulled out of the pact. During the Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, the interests of the United States and Pakistan converged. The crisis in the region brought good working relationships, and both countries joined together to dislodge the Soviet forces from Afghanistan. Hence, in successive years, Pakistan and the U.S. have established relations in areas ranging from trade, investment, counterterrorism, and energy. Although the United States has provided Pakistan with economic aid and military equipment from time to time, it has also faced criticism by many critics, as described by a former Pakistani diplomat, Shahid M. Amin, in his book on Pakistan's foreign policy: "The US has been criticized for the pressures on Pakistan's economy-bordering on dictates- from the World Bank and the IMF, which are considered to be US-dominated bodies.,,4