Getting closer to China on the one hand and arms from the US on the other. India is watching the aftermath of Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s visit to the US with efforts to ‘repair’ ties that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had ‘disgusted’ with. It is also noteworthy that Bajwa’s visit to the US comes just weeks before he retires from his official post.
General Bajwa met US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan as part of Pakistan’s efforts to mend ties with the country in light of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘US conspiracy’ allegations. The Pakistan Army said in a statement that the ‘regional security situation’ was discussed during the meeting. The Pentagon clarified that the discussion focused on opportunities to address key mutual defense interests.
According to Washington-based foreign policy analyst Kamran Bokhari, the purpose of General Bajwa’s visit is to ‘pass the baton of diplomatic relations’ and reassure the Americans that they will continue efforts to improve ties.
Even before Imran Khan’s ouster, General Bajwa had visited countries like Saudi Arabia, which Khan had upset, and restored strained relations. After ousting Khan, General Bajwa did the same with more vigour.
Bokhari considers that doing. ‘Bajwa did not hesitate to tell the Americans that it was in US interest to trade with Pakistan.
Addressing a gathering at the Pakistan Embassy in DC, the army chief put an end to speculations about extending his tenure. Kamran Bokhari says this confirms that he, who announced his retirement in November, came to the US to introduce his successor to the Americans. The army chief was accompanied by Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Azhar Abbas. Azhar Abbas is one of those expected to succeed him.
Former Pakistani Ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani agrees that General Bajwa’s visit is a continuation of Pakistan’s efforts to repair the damage caused by Imran Khan’s allegations. ‘Khan’s narrative of regime change has adversely affected US-Pak relations, but Pakistan’s civil-military leadership is determined to repair the damage,’ Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also focused on restoring relations in his interventions.
Pakistan’s efforts to restore ties
Kamran Bokhari says that the US is going through a learning phase when it comes to Pakistan, and recent comments by US officials confirm that Washington is ready to redefine relations with the country.
‘Some studies have been done on the Pakistani side too, and General Bajwa’s desire to shift from geopolitics to ‘geoeconomics’ reflects a changed mindset,’ he adds.
Bokhari says it is ironic that the military that brought Imran Khan to power is now trying to rationalize foreign policy. Last month, Pakistan’s new foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with US officials, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In an interview with the American media during the visit, the foreign minister reiterated that the two countries are entering into a new engagement. Bilawal described his meeting with US officials as ‘encouraging’.
Bokhari said efforts by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership would bear fruit and US-Pak relations would be restructured. “Americans now understand that there are strong civilian voices in Pakistan and that Pakistani aid should be comparable to the damage caused by the floods in the country.”
Hussain Haqqani says there is a long way to go before the Americans begin to consider Pakistan relevant again. “There is a lack of trust among Americans because of Pakistan’s questionable role in Afghanistan, where the US believes the country is supporting the Taliban takeover in August last year.
Pakistan’s current low relevance is due to its geographical location and terrorism problem, and India’s assessment is that only Americans interested in these issues will take Pakistan seriously. In any case, America getting close to Pakistan again is sure to become a big headache for India. India is looking forward to see if the US will help Pakistan again, especially when the US is dissatisfied with the stand taken by India in the Ukraine war.