War on Terror and Security Dimensions of US-Pakistan Relations since 9/11(2001)

Abstract

Pakistan’s decision to side with U.S. in the war against terrorism has adversely affected its security. Park-U.S. relations have experienced many vicissitudes. Since its inception, Pakistan has remained inclined towards the United States because of serious security threats from India. Pakistan’s policy makers believed strong, friendly relations with U.S. important for Pakistan because of perceiving Indian threat. United States also needed friends in South Asia to serve U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, the mutuality
of interests brought them closer towards each other. Pak-US alliance in the aftermath of 9/11 incident brought sever security challenges for Pakistan. Thus, the presence of US in Afghanistan and its terms with Pakistan on an unequal basis has shaken the security of Pakistan. Understanding Pakistan’s security situation and the U.S. role in the security deterioration need to address these questions regarding Pakistan’s security situation before and after Pakistan joined U.S. led war against terrorism as whether Pakistan’s
security improved after Pakistan joined the U.S. war against terrorism? What factors are responsible for the deteriorated security situation in Pakistan? Why NATO and U.S. forces deteriorating the security of Pakistan? What would the impact of an insecure Pakistan on U.S. interests in the region?