PR Explainer

CWA # 1968
PR Explainer
Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
CWA #1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi
30 November 2025

Photo Source:

The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the US have started to move forward again during the second half of 2025 after multiple years of diplomatic freeze and mutual distrust. The rising number of senior-level meetings and positive public statements and growing interest from both countries indicates that Washington and Islamabad can initiate a new phase of practical dialogue. The US-Pakistan alliance has witnessed repeated cycles of cooperation and skepticism because their fundamental differences continue to exist through various international political changes. The current developments in the relationship between Pakistan and the United States create uncertainty about whether they will establish a lasting partnership or maintain their current strategic alliance.

Recent Pakistan-US developments: A brief review
The two sides have shown increased interest through their controlled exchanges. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has made sustained efforts to connect with Washington to promote economic recovery and counterterrorism efforts and regional stability. The US officials now show positive sentiments toward Pakistan because they understand its vital contribution to Afghan border protection and terrorism combat and economic stability maintenance. The present circumstances show major differences from 2021 when the Taliban seized power and dual foreign policy allegations and security aid interruptions led to deepening mutual suspicions.

The military leaders of Pakistan have established direct contact with the Pentagon to establish defense ties and resume security partnership activities. The US has shown support for Pakistan's IMF talks through indirect means which demonstrates their desire to stop Pakistan's financial situation from worsening. The two demonstrate their operational collaboration development through their official visits and ambassadorial meetings and positive public statements. 

What does the United States want from Pakistan?
The US uses a limited and functional method to handle Pakistan through its present diplomatic activities. It seeks security cooperation with Pakistan to stop militant activities which originate from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area particularly because the TTP has regained strength. Washington requires intelligence coordination because it lacks ground forces in Afghanistan to monitor the region and protect against terrorist attacks. It maintains its focus on maintaining stability throughout the entire region. A Pakistani economic breakdown would trigger negative effects which would spread across South Asia and the Gulf region while affecting vital American strategic interests. Washington supports stability in Pakistan because it wants stable partners during times of global instability. Finally, the US wants Pakistan to stay independent from Beijing's control although China does not serve as the main focus of US Pakistan strategy. 

How is Pakistan re-positioning?
Pakistan works to gain US backing for IMF operations and market investor trust and new trade possibilities. The US stands as one of the few international powers which can affect global financial institutions and create market stability through its actions. Pakistan’s military leadership shows readiness to establish official communication channels with the US for handling border security threats and developing a stable counter-terrorism framework. The Pakistani government implements diplomatic efforts to gain international recognition following several years of national instability and presidential changes.

Pakistan follows a non-zero-sum strategy by keeping its relationship with China strong while establishing new communication channels with Washington. The government understands that depending too heavily on China would restrict Pakistan's ability to make strategic choices. The foreign policy alignment between civil and military sectors has enabled Pakistan to present a unified position toward the US during this period.

What are structural challenges for Pakistan and the US?
The two countries maintain an ongoing dialogue yet they cannot overcome their long-standing core problems. The relationship between the US and Pakistan remains stuck because of ongoing historical distrust which stems from US accusations about Pakistani militant support and Pakistani claims about US strategic abandonment during past conflicts.

The two maintain diplomatic relations while working to achieve their foreign aid goals through different methods. The US government tends to view Pakistan as a transactional partner because it expects security and economic benefits in return for its assistance. The Pakistani government views US demands as threats to its national independence.

The two operate with distinct strategic goals which produce major distinctions between their approaches. The US maintains its focus on two main objectives which include fighting terrorism and securing stability in Afghanistan. The security needs of Pakistan stem from two main sources which include India and internal political factors. The strong anti-American feelings among Pakistani citizens make it difficult to establish a strong strategic alliance between the two nations. The two nations face restrictions in their relationship because China stands as Pakistan's primary strategic ally and India serves as the US preferred regional partner. The existing structural elements prevent essential transformations between the relationship entities but they allow the system to operate continuously.

Sources 

Vinay Kaura, “Trump and Munir’s Bonhomie and the Revival of U.S.–Pakistan Transactional Engagement,” Observer Research Foundation (Issue Brief No. 847, 17 Nov 2025).

“US-Pakistan relationship has ‘never looked so good’, says envoy,” Firstpost, 17 Nov 2025.

“Pak-US ties ‘never looked so good’ but need more substance,” Dawn, 17 Nov 2025.

“Renewed US–Pakistan relations stand on shaky ground,” East Asia Forum, 10 Nov 2025.

“US says its engagement with Pakistan is ‘not at the expense of India-ties’,” LiveMint, 26 Oct 2025.

“Pakistan, US explore ways to develop ‘economically entrenched strategic partnership’,” Dawn, 8 Nov 2025

“‘Ties With India Different From Pakistan’: US Lawmaker To NDTV On New Resolution,” NDTV, 18 Nov 2025.

Kanishka Singh, “US to explore cooperation with Pakistan on critical minerals, hydrocarbons,” Reuters, 14 Aug 2025.

Asif Shahzad, “Pakistan’s finance minister heads to US to finalise trade deal,” Reuters, 29 Jul 2025.

Ariba Shahid, “Pakistan says trade talks with US to conclude next week,” Reuters, 25 Jun 2025.

Kanishka Singh, “US discusses tariffs, critical minerals, immigration with Pakistan,” Reuters, 7 Apr 2025.

“Pakistan invites US investors as bidding opens for oil, gas …,” Arab News, 20 Aug 2025.

“US firm makes a $500 million investment deal with Pakistan for critical minerals,” Associated Press (AP), 8 Sep 2025.

“Pakistan and US reach a trade agreement to develop oil reserves and reduce tariffs,” AP, 31 Jul 2025.

“Pakistan courts US with pitch for new Arabian Sea port,” Financial Times, 3 Oct 2025.

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