Abstract:
This study examines the political, economic and strategic dimensions of Pakistan’s engagement
as a frontline state in the US-led ‘War on Terror’. Pakistan’s objectives in the ‘War on Terror’
seek to protect the country from an internal backlash from militants and extremists and from
the external threat emanating from India. In line with these objectives, Pakistan seeks to retain
a delicate ‘balancing act’ in its relations with United States and Afghan Taliban. This
‘balancing act’ involves extending significant counterterrorism assistance to the US-led
coalition by combating Al-Qaeda operatives and anti-Pakistani state, Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan, while also ‘continue investing’ its political and financial capital in Afghan Taliban
fighting the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan. As a result, Pakistan is feeling the heat on
both sides, with extremists and Taliban rebels have turned against the state for joining the USled
coalition ‘War on Terror,’ while the US officials criticize Islamabad for declining to
cooperate wholeheartedly. United States has repeatedly pressured Pakistan to fall in line with
its objectives which seek to disrupt and dismantle Al-Qaeda network, stabilize ‘AfPak’ region,
encircle China, purge the threat of the emergence of Nuclear Iran, and shore up the US political
and military influence in Central Asia. Pakistan’s concerns, however, revolve around the
emerging US-India nexus in South Asia, which Islamabad perceives is directed to minimize its
influence in Afghanistan and the region and put its vital security interests at risk. In fact, the
US ‘tilt’ toward India forced Pakistan to avoid complementing the US objectives fully.
Islamabad, therefore, insists to recognize the benefits of partnering against combating terrorism
which must be balanced against Pakistan’s security interests. In this regard, well-crafted US
policies are needed to address Pakistan’s insecurities vis-à-vis India and Afghanistan, its
economy and internal stability and acknowledge Pakistan’s growing relationship with China
and Iran before the US can expect Pakistan to support its objectives in the ‘War on Terror’.
