Pakistan–United States relations: Difference between revisions

Pakistan–United States relations (edit)

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 === Diaspora ===
 Approximately 5,54,202 individuals of Pakistani descent identify as [[Pakistani Americans]] residing in the United States, while around 52,486 Americans live in Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan is home to one of the largest U.S. embassies located in Islamabad, alongside the largest consulate-general in terms of staff and facilities, situated in [[Karachi]].
+== History ==
+=== 1947–1958: Relations between the United States and the newly-created Pakistan ===
+After its creation from India, Pakistan faced challenges in establishing itself as a non-aligned entity within the global arena. In [[East Pakistan]], pro-communist factions enjoyed considerable backing, whereas the pro-Soviet Pakistan Socialist Party was largely sidelined in [[West Pakistan]]. The political scene in West Pakistan was predominantly influenced by the pro-American [[Pakistan Muslim League]], which had a strong foothold in the affluent region of [[West Punjab|Punjab]] (Pakistani), though its support in East Pakistan was comparatively limited.
+Prime Minister [[Liaquat Ali Khan]] sought to foster amicable relations with both the [[United States]] and the [[Soviet Union]], believing that an alliance with both superpowers could yield benefits for Pakistan. However, concerns were raised by both the Pakistani military and foreign service regarding whether the Soviets possessed the political will and capability to extend military, technical, and economic support to Pakistan at the level they were beginning to offer to [[India]]. Despite this skepticism, Pakistan approached the [[USSR]] for military assistance, which was predictably denied, as the Soviet Union had already aligned itself with India. Furthermore, the government's attempts to engage with the Soviet Union were met with disapproval from Pakistan's conservative middle class, who viewed the USSR as an atheist and socialist ally of India.
+In 1950, the United States made a diplomatic overture to Pakistan by inviting Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan for an official state visit. With the USSR having rejected capitalist Pakistan and aligning itself with its adversaries, Pakistani policymakers realised that it was unfeasible to maintain amicable relations with both superpowers. Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan accepted the American invitation and embarked on a 23-day official state visit to the United States starting from 03 May 1950. This visit became highly politicised in Pakistan, provoking outrage among leftist factions and marking a pivotal moment that established warm diplomatic relations for several decades. However, it is reported that during this initial trip, President Truman asked Khan to allow the [[CIA]] to set up a base in Pakistan to monitor Soviet activities— a request that Khan declined.
+Between 1950 and 1953, numerous prominent political and military leaders from Pakistan visited the United States. Among them was Army Commander [[Ayub Khan]], who would later establish a strongly pro-American military regime. Other notable figures included Foreign Minister Sir [[Muhammad Zafrullah Khan]], Foreign Secretary Ikram-Ullah Khan, Finance Minister [[Malik Ghulam Muhammad]], and Defense Secretary [[Iskandar Mirza]], all of whom made official state visits to the U.S. during this period.
+Defense relations between Pakistan and the United States were significantly bolstered almost immediately after Liaquat Ali Khan's visit to the U.S. The personal goodwill towards Pakistan remained evident even after the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951. During [[Khawaja Nazimuddin]]'s administration, both Pakistani and American officials fostered positive sentiments towards each other. This goodwill was particularly highlighted in 1953 when Secretary of State [[John Foster Dulles]] advocated for wheat aid to Pakistan, stating during hearings before the sub-committee on Agriculture and Forestry that ''"the people of Pakistan had a splendid military tradition."'' He also remarked that upon his arrival in [[Karachi]], he was welcomed by a [[guard of honour]] that he considered the "finest" he had ever encountered.
+The close relationship between the two nations was further solidified with the signing of a mutual defense treaty in May 1954, which led to hundreds of Pakistani military officers receiving training in the United States. Additionally, a U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) was established in [[Rawalpindi]], which was then the capital of Pakistan. The training provided to Pakistani officers encompassed not only military tactics but also leadership, management, and economic theory.
+In 1956, President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] sought approval from Pakistan's newly appointed Prime Minister, [[Huseyn Suhravardy]], to lease the Peshawar Air Station (PAS) for the purpose of gathering intelligence on Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles. The request was approved, and shortly thereafter, the United States constructed an airstrip and a command and control center at the location to commence operations. The facility was classified as top-secret, with even high-ranking Pakistani officials like [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]] being denied access.
+American interest in fostering Pakistan as an ally against the spread of communism was largely centered on maintaining strong relations with the Pakistani military. Prime Minister [[Huseyn Suhravardy]] made several official visits to the United States, often accompanied by Army Commander [[Ayub Khan]]. Following a [[Pakistani military coup of 1958|military coup in 1958]], Ayub Khan contended that leftist activists posed a threat to American interests in Pakistan. He successfully persuaded U.S. officials that the Pakistani military was the most robust and capable institution to lead the nation.
+=== 1958–1971: relations during the military dictatorships of Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan ===
 == Space science collaboration ==