US Congress to hold hearing on US-Pakistan relations

The subcommittee on the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia of the US House of Representatives will hold a hearing on Pakistan today following Pakistan‘s recent presidential elections.

While allies during the Cold War, the US-Pakistan relationship collapsed following the 2011 killing of Osama Bin Laden and accusations that individuals in Pakistan‘s government were harboring him. Islamabad’s tilt towards China has also harmed relations with the US in turn pursuing closer ties with India – who is part of the Quad alliance. Asif Ali Zardari’s victory in the recent elections and his ambitions for closer ties with Beijing are likely to further this bilateral divide.

Nevertheless, recent negotiations between the US-led International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan on debt relief, coupled with long-term investment may give Washington leverage in the relationship. Nevertheless, deeper ties between the US and Pakistan are unlikely with Beijing largely being perceived as Pakistan‘s preferred partner – even despite past concerns regarding Beijing’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. In the longer term, Pakistan’s ability to conduct an independent foreign policy will largely depend on its ability to tackle its debt issues while limiting external assistance.