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K. Alan Kronstadt, Congressional Research Service
Updated August 4, 2003
US Policy in Pakistan
Key
areas of U.S. concern regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; weapons
proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India tensions; human
rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked
by distance 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 anti-terrorism efforts. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Pakistan
for its ongoing cooperation, although concerns exist about Islamabad’s
commitment to core U.S. concerns in the region. Pakistan continues to face
serious problems, including a weak economy and domestic terrorism.
A
potential Pakistan-India arms race has been the focus of U.S. nonproliferation
efforts in South Asia. Attention to this issue intensified following nuclear
tests by both countries in May1998; the tests triggered restrictions on U.S. aid
to both countries (remaining nuclear-related sanctions on Pakistan were waived
in October 2001). South Asia is viewed by many analysts as a high-risk arena for
the use of nuclear weapons, as both countries have institutionalized nuclear
command structures and deployed nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. Pakistan and
India have fought three full-scale wars since 1947.
Separatist
violence in the disputed Kashmir region has continued unabated since 1989. India
blames Pakistan for the ongoing infiltration of Islamic militants into Indian
Kashmir, a charge Islamabad denies. The United States received a June 2002
pledge from Islamabad that all “cross-border terrorism” would cease, along
with a May 2003 pledge that all terrorist training camps in Pakistani-controlled
areas would be closed. The United States encourages a cease-fire along the Line
of Control and renewed dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi.
A
stable, democratic, economically thriving Pakistan is vital to U.S. interests in
South and Central Asia. Democracy has faired poorly in Pakistan; the country has
endured three full-scale military coups and military rule for half of its
existence. In October 1999, the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was
ousted in an extra-constitutional coup led by Army Chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
Musharraf has since assumed the title of President, a move ostensibly
legitimized by a controversial April 2002 referendum. The United States strongly
urges the Musharraf government to restore the country to civilian democratic
rule. National elections held in October 2002 resulted in no clear majority
party emerging but were marked by significant gains for a coalition of Islamic
parties. A National Assembly and Prime Minister Jamali were seated in November
2002, but the civilian government remains stalled on procedural issues related
to the legality of constitutional changes made by Musharraf in August 2002 and
his status as Army Chief. The U.S. Congress granted the President authority to
waive coup-related sanctions on Pakistan through FY2003; pending legislation may
extend this authority though FY2005.
Pakistan
received more than $1.5 billion in U.S. assistance for FY2002 and FY2003. In
June 2003, President Bush pledged to seek a five-year, $3 billion aid package
for Pakistan to begin in FY2005.
This document is not necessarily endorsed by the Almanac of Policy Issues. It is being preserved in the Policy Archive for historic reasons.