Pak-U.S. Relations History of Friendship, Sanctions, and Strategic Shifts

Pak-U.S. Relations have been characterized by friendship and closeness, but they are cold and have failed to build stable relations. The history of Pak-U.S. relations was tumultuous. There were changes and turmoil in their cooperation and understanding. The U.S. always has its interests and ideologies from Pakistan. From Pakistan's point of view, there's a certainty that Pakistan is dependent on the U.S. regarding the economy and domestic and military aid. However, aids from the U.S. to Pakistan are only for the moment and are also for personal purposes. After achieving her desired results, the U.S. abruptly changed its policy, shook off Pakistan and put it in the background. It is possible to observe the behaviour of America from 1988 until 2001, centredaround sanctions against Pakistan. During that period, the U.S. imposed many restrictions and sanctions against Pakistan.

There are several reasons behind the sanctions imposed on Pakistan, which must be considered before discussing U.S. sanctions against Pakistan. From 1979 until 1988, Pakistan engaged in an indirect war against the U.S. when the soviet faced the battle and was eventually pushed out of Afghanistan. The nuclear activities of Pakistan were again the subject of a U.S. inquiry, and in October of 1990, President Bush delayed assistance to Pakistan.

U.S. policy interests in Pakistan include the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missiles and counter-terrorism, the democratization of South Asian regional stability and efforts to stop trafficking in narcotics. Proliferation, the saga of the Kashmir problem, and the ongoing nuclear standoff between the two countries was the reason for tension between Pakistan and U.S. relations from 1988 to 2001. Pakistan's support for the Taliban and public disengagement from the administration of Pakistan from the U.S. became the factor of Pak-U.S. remaining at a standstill. Pak relations between Pakistan and U.S. became strained on 28 May 1998, when Pakistan was hit by an atomic blast in the aftermath of India and was subsequently ranked as the 7 7 nuclear powerful nation in the globe. It was the primary factor behind U.S. sanctions. Another reason for Pak-U.S. tensions that caused U.S. sanctions on Pakistan resulted in 9/11 being the most tragic event of the early 21 21st century. These tragic events gave two choices for Pakistan, one of which was Tura Bora (Dark age), and the second was non-aligned friends.

After a better understanding of the reasons behind U.S. sanctions on Pakistan, It is now time to note down all the U.S. sanctions from 1988 until 2001.

Sanctions in the context of the Pressler Change:

As per this amendment, there's an embargo on aid to military forces for Pakistan, and Pakistan is not home to an explosive nuking weapon. The restrictions were enacted in the year 1990. American foreign policy was abruptly altered after the departure of the Red troops from Afghanistan. In addition, America began to pressure Pakistan to end its nuclear program and be a signatory to the N.P.T. unilaterally. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war, the United States was no longer interested in a friendship with Pakistan. It was agreed to implement the recently approved Pressler Amendment. This prohibited Pakistan from receiving further American economic or military aid. America prohibited the supply of military equipment valued at $368 million and 28 F-16 air-crafts, for which Pakistan was already paying.

Sanctions according to the 1977 Symington Amendment:

This amendment in the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act to declares that the technology of enhancing Uranium and nuclear weapons isn't permitted to develop or acquired. These restrictions remain in effect. But in 1994, the Glenn Amendment lifted Symington Amendment and provided the legal basis for the entire nation of Pakistan to import Uranium. However, the ring magnets cases (shipments between December 1994 and 1995) were the reason for the Symington Amendment limitation afresh.

Non-Statutory Sanctions:

The amendment was implemented following the Clinton international policy. It was enacted due to the nuclear tests in 1998 in Pakistan as well as the coup attempt in October 1999 in Pakistan. The amendment restricts military exchanges between military, and high-level exchanges are not allowed.

It is important to remember that during this tense period between Pakistan and America, the U.S. did not stop supporting Pakistan in the fight against drugs and basic education programs; specific non-governmental organizations (N.G.O.) as well as support as well as other humanitarian initiatives.

When you put the topic in simple terms, it is easy to understand that Pak-U.S. relations have yet to go smoothly. Relations between them have constantly been twittering, ranging from aid to sanctions and from pillar to post, depending on their needs, stakes, interests, and current events. In times of chaos, Pakistan faced myriad sanctions that affected the country's economy, political framework, military, and defence expertise.