Post-Afghanistan Withdrawal: Reassessing US–Pakistan Relations, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of US–Pakistan relations following the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, focusing on the strategic, political, and economic implications for Pakistan. Drawing on primary sources such as official policy statements, government reports, and interviews, alongside secondary sources including scholarly articles and think-tank analyses, the research explores the shifting dynamics of bilateral ties in a post-Afghanistan context. Key issues analyzed include changes in security cooperation, regional stability, trade and economic engagement, and Pakistan’s strategic recalibration amid US–China competition. The study highlights the challenges Pakistan faces, including reduced U.S. influence in aid and policy support, heightened regional uncertainties, and the need for diversified foreign policy approaches. Simultaneously, it identifies prospects for redefining bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, counterterrorism, and regional diplomacy. Overall, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of Pakistan’s strategic options and the evolving nature of US-Pakistan relations in the aftermath of Afghanistan’s transition.