XIV. FOREIGN POLICY OF PAKISTAN POST 9/11 | PAKISTAN AFFAIRS | CSS EXAM | CSS PMS TIMES

Introduction

The foreign policy of any country is shaped by its strategic interests, historical experiences, and external challenges. For Pakistan, the period after the September 11, 2001, attacks marked a significant shift in its foreign policy due to changing global dynamics, especially its involvement in the US-led “War on Terror.” This shift was influenced by Pakistan’s need to maintain a balance between its alliances, regional security concerns, and economic priorities. The post-9/11 era brought Pakistan closer to the United States, but it also exposed contradictions in its foreign policy that continue to have long-term implications for its domestic and international positioning.

This essay explores the evolution of Pakistan’s foreign policy after 9/11, highlighting its relations with key global powers, regional security concerns, and challenges in balancing strategic alliances while maintaining sovereignty and stability.

1. Alignment with the United States: A New Strategic Partnership

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the global landscape shifted dramatically, and the United States launched the “War on Terror,” targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Pakistan, due to its proximity to Afghanistan and its historical ties to the Taliban, became a critical ally in this campaign. Under President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan made a strategic decision to align with the US, offering logistical support, military bases, intelligence cooperation, and assistance in the fight against terrorism.

The alignment with the US was a double-edged sword for Pakistan. While it brought immediate military aid and economic support, it also created long-term challenges. Pakistan’s military operations in tribal areas, such as Operations Rah-e-Rast and Zarb-e-Azb, aimed at rooting out militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were partially driven by US pressure. However, the partnership was marred by distrust, especially regarding Pakistan’s perceived “double game” — supporting US interests while maintaining covert ties with Afghan insurgents like the Taliban.

Key Aspects of US-Pakistan Relations Post-9/11:

Economic and Military Aid: Over $33 billion in US aid to Pakistan between 2002 and 2018 was crucial in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. Military cooperation included the provision of military equipment and training, enhancing Pakistan’s defense capabilities.

Drone Strikes and Civilian Casualties: US drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas became a major source of tension, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. These strikes further complicated Pakistan’s domestic political landscape, undermining its sovereignty.

The Abbottabad Raid (2011): The US Navy SEALs’ operation to kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, without prior consultation with Pakistan, severely damaged bilateral relations. It highlighted the lack of trust between the two allies and raised questions about Pakistan’s intelligence and military apparatus.

2. The Strained Relationship with India

While the US partnership took center stage in Pakistan’s foreign policy post-9/11, Pakistan’s relations with India remained a critical aspect of its foreign relations. The longstanding Kashmir dispute, border tensions, and occasional military skirmishes continued to define the two countries’ relationship.

Post-9/11 Developments in Indo-Pak Relations:

2001 Indian Parliament Attack and the 2002 Military Standoff: After the Indian Parliament attack in 2001, India accused Pakistan-based militants of the assault, leading to a massive military standoff. The situation escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, leading to a heightened state of alert on both sides.

2008 Mumbai Attacks: The 2008 Mumbai attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, further soured relations. India accused Pakistan of not doing enough to crack down on terrorism originating from its territory, leading to a temporary breakdown in diplomatic ties.

2016 Uri Attack and Surgical Strikes: The attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Kashmir, and India’s subsequent “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control (LoC) further aggravated tensions. Despite these challenges, both countries have engaged in occasional peace talks, though lasting reconciliation remains elusive.

While Pakistan sought to avoid direct confrontation with India, it found itself drawn into the regional dynamics created by the US-led War on Terror. The destabilization of Afghanistan, particularly after the US invasion in 2001, allowed Pakistan to maintain its influence in the region, including its ties to Afghan insurgent groups that have been a thorn in India’s security calculus.

3. Relations with Afghanistan: A Perpetual Challenge

Afghanistan has always been at the heart of Pakistan’s foreign policy, especially post-9/11. The US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power, dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape. Pakistan found itself in a delicate position, balancing its alliance with the US against its historical ties with the Taliban and Pashtun groups in Afghanistan.

Key Issues in Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations:

Taliban’s Resurgence: While Pakistan initially supported the US in ousting the Taliban from power in 2001, it later found itself facing a dilemma as the Taliban regrouped in Pakistan’s tribal areas and continued to wage an insurgency in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s ties with the Taliban were part of its broader strategy to maintain influence in Afghanistan, especially against India’s growing presence in Kabul.

Cross-border Militancy: Both Afghanistan and Pakistan faced cross-border terrorism from insurgent groups operating in the border regions. The Durand Line, an arbitrary border drawn during British colonial rule, remained a contentious issue, with Afghanistan refusing to recognize it as an official boundary. The porous border allowed militants to move freely, exacerbating security concerns on both sides.

US-Pakistan-Afghanistan Triangle: Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were complicated by US involvement in the region. Afghanistan’s accusations of Pakistan harboring Taliban fighters worsened bilateral relations, despite Pakistan’s insistence that it was doing its best to control the militants. In the post-2014 period, as the US gradually withdrew from Afghanistan, Pakistan faced the challenge of dealing with a fragile Afghan government while managing the rise of the Taliban.

4. Strategic Shifts: The Rise of China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

In the wake of the US-Pakistan relationship becoming increasingly strained after 2011, Pakistan turned towards China, seeking to diversify its foreign policy and ensure economic development and security. The deepening of Pakistan-China relations culminated in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries and promoting economic development in Pakistan.

Key Elements of the Pakistan-China Partnership:

CPEC as a Strategic Game-Changer: CPEC, which connects the Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang province, is seen as a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy. The project includes energy, transportation, and infrastructure development, positioning Pakistan as a crucial player in the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China.

Military Cooperation: Pakistan has strengthened its defense ties with China, receiving military hardware, technology, and training. This strategic partnership serves as a counterbalance to India’s growing ties with the US and its increasing defense capabilities.

Implications for US Relations: Pakistan’s pivot towards China has strained its relationship with the US, which views China’s growing influence in South Asia with concern. However, Pakistan’s reliance on both the US and China reflects its pragmatic foreign policy approach to balancing competing interests.

5. Pakistan’s Engagement with the Muslim World

Pakistan’s foreign policy also continued to be shaped by its role within the Muslim world, particularly through organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Pakistan sought to strengthen its ties with Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for economic and security cooperation.

However, Pakistan’s relations with some Gulf states became more complex post-9/11, particularly in the context of the US-led invasion of Iraq and the broader Middle Eastern conflicts. Pakistan’s reluctance to directly participate in the Iraq War, along with its relations with Iran, sometimes put it at odds with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.

6. Challenges and Criticisms of Pakistan’s Post-9/11 Foreign Policy

Despite the successes of Pakistan’s foreign policy post-9/11, it faced several challenges:

Internal Instability: Pakistan’s domestic instability, including political upheavals, economic challenges, and the rise of extremist groups, complicated its foreign policy. Terrorist attacks, especially those targeting the military and civilians, have often led to a global perception of Pakistan as a country grappling with extremism.

Human Rights Concerns: Pakistan’s involvement in the War on Terror, particularly its role in US drone strikes and counterinsurgency operations, led to criticism from human rights organizations, which highlighted civilian casualties and displacement.

Balancing Competing Interests: The need to balance relations with the US, China, India, Afghanistan, and the Middle East has often placed Pakistan in a delicate position, forcing it to navigate competing interests and conflicting stood.