Pakistan-U.S. Relations [March 6, 2006]   [open pdf - 104KB]

"A stable, democratic, economically thriving Pakistan is considered vital to U.S. interests in Asia. Key U.S. concerns regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; Pakistan- Afghanistan relations; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir problem and Pakistan- India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was transformed by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to some core U.S. interests. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Since late 2003, Pakistan's army has been conducting unprecedented counterterrorism operations in traditionally autonomous western tribal areas. […] Pakistan is among the world's leading recipients of U.S. aid, obtaining some $2.63 billion in direct U.S. assistance for FY2002- FY2005, including $1 billion in securityrelated aid. Pakistan also has received billions of dollars in reimbursement for its support of U.S.-led counterterrorism operations. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32259, 'Terrorism in South Asia'; and CRS Report RL32615, 'Pakistan's Domestic Political Developments.'"