US–Pakistan Dialogue — A Fresh Curve on the Road of Friendship

Islamabad hosts Pak-US counterterrorism talks as both sides vow to tackle new militant tactics.

By Tanveer Iqbal (Islamabad)

US–Pakistan Dialogue — A New Turn in the River of Relations

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US–Pakistan Dialogue — A New Turn in the River of Relations

For decades, the relationship between the United States and Pakistan has been like a river — sometimes flowing swiftly in harmony, other times diverted by rocky shoals of mistrust and divergent priorities. Over the years, the current has been shaped by shared strategic interests, mutual misunderstandings, and the constant interplay of geopolitics. Today, as Washington and Islamabad engage in a fresh round of high-level dialogue, there is a sense that the river may be bending toward a new horizon.

From Cold War Allies to Complex Partners

The US–Pakistan relationship began in the crucible of the Cold War, when Pakistan emerged as a crucial ally against Soviet influence in South Asia. From military cooperation in the 1950s to joint efforts during the Afghan jihad of the 1980s, the two nations stood together in moments of geopolitical necessity. But the post–Cold War era brought new realities: sanctions over Pakistan’s nuclear program, strains after 9/11, and deep mistrust during the US-led war in Afghanistan.

This history is important, because every new dialogue between the two nations carries the weight of what has come before.

Why the Current Dialogue Matters

The latest round of talks between Washington and Islamabad comes at a time of shifting global alignments. The United States, recalibrating its presence in Asia after withdrawing from Afghanistan, is looking to maintain influence in a region increasingly shaped by China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan, meanwhile, is balancing multiple priorities — economic revival, internal political stability, and maintaining strategic partnerships with both China and the US.

In this context, the new dialogue is not merely a routine diplomatic exchange. It is a recalibration — an attempt to find common ground in an era where both nations face new challenges:

• For the US: Preventing instability in South Asia, maintaining counterterrorism cooperation, and ensuring open channels with a nuclear-armed state in a volatile region.

• For Pakistan: Seeking economic investment, technology partnerships, and security assurances without being seen as a pawn in great-power rivalry.

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  Key Themes in the Talks

While official statements will likely emphasize “mutual respect” and “shared goals,” the undercurrents are more nuanced:

1. Economic Cooperation
   Pakistan’s economic recovery needs foreign investment, and the US — as one of the largest global investors — could play a role in trade, technology, and infrastructure partnerships. Discussions on renewable energy, IT exports, and agricultural modernization are expected to be central.

2. Security & Counterterrorism
   Even after the US exit from Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism remains. Pakistan has faced renewed militant activity, and intelligence-sharing arrangements with the US could once again take on importance.

3. Geopolitical Balancing
   Pakistan is part of China’s CPEC project, but it also values ties with the US. The challenge is to maintain both relationships without alienating either partner — a diplomatic tightrope that will define Pakistan’s foreign policy for years.

4. Climate & Development
   The catastrophic floods of 2022 highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. With the US having pledged climate aid and technological support, environmental cooperation could be a bridge for broader engagement.

A River Changing Course

Rivers don’t change direction overnight — they carve their path over time, reshaped by storms, droughts, and the gradual pull of gravity. Likewise, US–Pakistan relations will not be transformed by one meeting. But if both sides can move beyond old grievances, prioritize realistic goals, and nurture consistent channels of communication, this dialogue could mark the beginning of a gentler, more productive flow.

The Road Ahead

Diplomacy between Washington and Islamabad has often been a story of high hopes and sudden disappointments. To avoid repeating that cycle, both sides will need to:

• Commit to sustained engagement, not just reactive conversations during crises.

• Recognize each other’s core concerns without pushing for unrealistic concessions.

• Foster people-to-people connections through education, business, and cultural exchange.

If these principles guide the talks, the US–Pakistan river may yet find a channel that brings prosperity, stability, and mutual trust — not only for the two nations, but for the broader region that depends on their cooperation.

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Pakistan–U.S. Dialogue: A New Era of Trust

The world is a grand chessboard where every move must be made with calculation, and history is never kind to those who play the wrong piece. For Pakistan, this board has always been laid out. To the east, a neighbor who speaks of peace yet hides hostility in its eyes. To the west, forces that see chaos as an opportunity. And across the oceans, powers that are both friends and cautious overseers.

The recent Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad was not merely a diplomatic meeting — it was a declaration. A statement that Pakistan has reached a point where the world, especially the United States, not only acknowledges our sacrifices but is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us. Such a moment has few precedents in our history.

The words used in the U.S. embassy’s statement were more than ceremonial. They were an admission that Pakistan has succeeded in bringing terrorist forces under control. This success did not come overnight. It is the result of years of relentless struggle, the sacrifice of thousands of lives, and a state strategy that dared to strike the enemy in its own stronghold.

Pakistan’s fight against terrorism was never waged with bullets alone, but with a comprehensive strategy of war. The BLA, ISIS-Khorasan, and the TTP — these names are etched deep into our national wounds. The BLA’s aim is clear: to sever Balochistan from the body of Pakistan. Their backers? It is no secret that hostile foreign agencies and certain Western think tanks have kept their narrative alive.

ISIS-K, which turned Afghan soil into its base, sought to spread fear in Pakistan’s cities. And the TTP, once claiming to fight in the name of religion, in truth became an instrument of foreign agendas. Against all these, the operations launched by Pakistan’s armed forces and intelligence agencies stand as examples in military history. Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad dismantled their networks beyond repair.

The U.S. statement’s mention of the Jaffar Express and Khuzdar school bus attacks was not mere sympathy — it was an international acknowledgment that Pakistan has paid the price of terrorism in blood. Whether it was innocent passengers on a train or schoolchildren in their uniforms, these attacks struck not only individuals but the very heart of the nation. And yet, we endured without surrender.

In the past, Pakistan–U.S. relations have often been turbulent — Cold War allies one day, front-line partners in the War on Terror the next, and at times entangled in grievances and mistrust. But today, the relationship stands at a juncture defined by trust and shared purpose.

The joint chairing of this dialogue by Nabeel Munir and Gregory D. LoGerfo was not mere protocol. It was symbolic of two nations engaging on equal footing. In the past, America gave orders and Pakistan listened. Today, Pakistan’s achievements and experience have become a source of guidance for the United States itself.

Terrorism today is not fought only with bombs and bullets — it is a war of technology. Drones, social media propaganda, cryptocurrency-based funding — these are the modern fronts of conflict. The dialogue reached an understanding to strengthen counterterrorism institutions through cutting-edge technology, training, and intelligence sharing. This means Pakistan is preparing not only for physical security but also for the cyber and financial battlefields.

Close cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, reflects a new diplomatic landscape. These are the arenas where the war of narratives is fought. Pakistan’s stance has always been clear: terrorism is not tied to any religion, nation, or region — it is a global scourge that must be eradicated through collective action. The United States now stands visibly aligned with this view.

This dialogue is not just a message to the world — it is also a reaffirmation for the people of Pakistan that our sacrifices were not in vain. It is proof that when the state and its people unite behind a common cause, no challenge is insurmountable.

But halting here would be dangerous. The enemy is always seeking new avenues. Our counterterrorism policy must move beyond mere reaction to preemption — protecting the youth from extremist narratives, strengthening border surveillance, and stabilizing the economy are all part of the same fight. A weak economy and unjust systems are fertile ground for the seeds of terrorism.

The new Pakistan–U.S. partnership is not just a temporary convenience. If steered in the right direction, it could ensure peace and development in the region. Yet, in global politics, friends and foes are never permanent — only interests are. We must advance this relationship without compromising our sovereignty, national interests, or our narrative.

Faith, resolve, and wisdom — these are the three pillars on which Pakistan’s counterterrorism successes stand. And today, the world is recognizing them. Tomorrow, that recognition may grow even stronger, if we stay true to our course.

It seems history has turned another page. During President Trump’s tenure, a warmth entered Pakistan–U.S. relations that was more than symbolic — it was grounded in changing realities and shifting regional dynamics. For the first time in years, an American president openly acknowledged not just the professional skill and sacrifices of our military, but also took our political leadership seriously.

It was a moment when Pakistan regained a place in Washington’s eyes that had long been lost. One could say the ice began to melt, and the closed doors of Washington began to open for Islamabad. For the first time in decades, an American president saw Pakistan not merely as a pawn but as a partner — and that realization became a milestone in bridging the distance between the two capitals.