IN a new cementing bilateral development between Washington and Islamabad, the two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in the security and economic domains.
The two sides held dialogue on counter-terrorism in Islamabad. The agreement focuses on combating terrorism in all its forms. Discussions included meetings regarding counterterrorism efforts. This highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two countries on this critical issue.’’ Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the United States of America, both sides emphasized that sustained and structured engagement remains vital to countering terrorism and promoting peace and stability.’’
Under a potential new Trump administration, the US is aiming to bolster economic ties with Pakistan, with a focus on areas of mutual interest. The Pakistan Army Chief is leveraging diplomacy and the country’s mineral resources to influence the US favour. The United States and Pakistan have recently strengthened their counter-terrorism cooperation, as evidenced by a new agreement and ongoing dialogue. This collaboration aims to address shared security concerns, particularly those stemming from terrorist threats in the region. The newly signed agreement likely builds upon existing counter-terrorism efforts and signifies a renewed commitment to working together to combat terrorism. The US State Department, under the Trump Administration, designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations..
Exclusively, trade, investment and counterterrorism are key areas in the renewed US-Pakistan bilateral relationship. While counterterrorism cooperation persists, the focus also encompasses strengthening trade and investment ties. The two countries have established cooperative frameworks, such as the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue, to address shared interests. The extent of current engagement in counterterrorism is uncertain, but trade and investment are clearly identified priorities.
Recent reports indicate a developing relationship– between Pakistan’s Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the US President Donald Trump—galvanized through an unprecedented meeting at the White House (June 19) where both the sides aim to foster a sustainable, multifaceted relationship, suggesting potential for progress in their diplomatic ties. Moreover, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to the US, his second in recent months, indicates a strengthening military relationship between Pakistan and the US. Discussions during the visit included cooperation and security challenges, suggesting a focus on shared interests. The frequency of his visits and meetings with top US leaders point towards a growing closeness and increased dialogue between the two countries regarding military matters.
The growing Pak-US relations are significant for South Asia’s stability, highlighting the importance of their ties. Focusing on non-traditional security areas like technology, health, climate and education can foster a sustainable relationship. Undermining this relationship could negatively impact regional stability. The relationship is also viewed through the lens of other triangular relationships, such as US-India, US-China and US-Afghanistan, reflecting its multifaceted nature within the region’s geopolitical landscape. This stronger partnership can also facilitate greater regional connectivity, potentially linking South Asia with Central Asia and encourage nuclear non-proliferation efforts in the region.
Additionally, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, vowed to extend cooperation with Pakistan on the mining industry and hydrocarbons. The statements coming from the US and Pakistani ministries regarding trade and investment profoundly indicate a meaningful progress between the two sides. Moreover, the US Administration seeks its keen interests in exploring Pakistan oil reserves. And as for the security cooperation, Washington’s initiative of designating the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as the terrorist outfits is an evidence of growing security and counter-terrorism cooperation between the two sides.
This action reflects a commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, as indicated by a recent mega counter-terrorism agreement between the US and Pakistan. The designation of these groups is part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including addressing the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. This highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in combating terrorism. Its impact will have practical implications for Pakistan’s enduring efforts to combat terrorism in the region. As both BLA and the Majeed Brigade are now listed as terrorist organizations, Islamabad may be able to garner increased international cooperation and support in its efforts to crack down on these terrorist-declared groups. By recognizing these groups as terrorist entities, the Trump Administration not only acknowledges their involvement in violent activities that threaten regional stability, but it also upholds Pakistan’s grave and warranted concerns about India’s support for separatist groups in Balochistan which Pakistan views as a potential threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Needless to say, this move will pressurize India to reassess its alleged involvement of giving support to destabilize the region. By taking a firm stance against terrorism, Washington sends a strong message that it will not tolerate any activities that may destabilize the region. This will fundamentally Pakistan’ position vis-à-vis India. Further, Islamabad has expressed pragmatic optimism regarding this enhanced economic collaboration emphasizing the mutual understanding being established between the two sides in areas of IT, energy and cryptocurrency.
In conclusion, the prospects for enhanced Pak-US economic and security cooperation under President Trump’s Administration appear promising. Since Pakistan holds a pivotal strategic location and its critical role in counter-terrorism in South Asia, Washington, under President Trump, is preferring to strengthen its bilateral ties with Islamabad in key areas as mentioned herein above. By fostering a constructive relationship, both countries can benefit from increased economic and security cooperation that will positively impact on regional stability. As Pakistan seeks to diversify its economy and strengthens its security apparatus, US cooperation can significantly play a vital role in supporting these efforts. And ultimately, a strengthened Pak-US partnership not only contributes to a more stable and prosperous South Asia, but it also broadens the impact towards global governance, security and economic development.
—The writer, based in Pakistan, an independent IR & International Law analyst, also an expert in Conflict and Peace Studies (with special focus on Palestine, Kashmir), is member of European Consortium of Political Research (ECPR), including Washington Foreign Law Society/American Society of International Law.
