Islamabad: Pakistan and the United States have a chance to evolve their longstanding relationship into a comprehensive partnership extending beyond traditional security cooperation, according to Sardar Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the forthcoming meeting between the Pakistani and U.S. leadership on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly presents a crucial opportunity to review the evolving regional and international situation and to strengthen bilateral ties. Pakistan’s diplomatic involvement with Washington and Tehran during the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has showcased its potential role in regional diplomacy and de-escalation, as the country continues to pursue diplomatic avenues aimed at bringing the parties back to negotiations.
The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has deep historical roots, including Pakistan’s role in facilitating U.S.-China rapprochement in 1971, cooperation during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s, and joint efforts against terrorism after 9/11. However, Khan emphasized the lesson Pakistan gleaned from these phases: a relationship centered primarily on security imperatives can create political and institutional gaps when strategic priorities shift.
Khan suggested that the two countries now have an opportunity to develop a multifaceted relationship capable of sustaining cooperation beyond periods of immediate strategic convergence. He noted that recent engagement had already expanded into areas such as counterterrorism, economic cooperation, critical minerals, new technologies, agriculture, and renewable energy, though he stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of agreed initiatives.
Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance, geographical location, and economic potential, which should encourage Washington to view the country as a potential hub for trade, energy, transportation, and regional connectivity. He added that Pakistan could become part of diversified supply and value chains across Eurasia.
On regional security, Khan stated that Pakistan and the United States should continue working with regional countries to promote de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the long-standing issue of Palestine through diplomatic mechanisms.
Despite the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan, Khan pointed out that terrorism remains a serious concern for Pakistan, particularly because of militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He argued that Pakistan requires effective international cooperation to address this ongoing threat.
Khan also recalled that U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed willingness to work with India and Pakistan toward resolving the Kashmir issue, and he urged that Kashmir should once again receive sustained international diplomatic attention due to its implications for regional peace and stability.
In conclusion, Khan asserted that Pakistan and the United States have successfully cooperated during several important periods in their history, and the present circumstances offer an opportunity to elevate the relationship to a stronger, broader, and more sustainable level.