Pakistan as a Frontline State in War Against Terrorism: Cost & Benefit Analysis

Abstract

Pakistan being an immediate neighbor of Afghanistan and a historical U.S. ally became frontline state not only in combating terrorism but a victim of aggression itself in multiple forms including sectarian conflicts, instability and extremism, discontent in the provinces, militancy, and growing violence which has dragged the country into social, political and economic quagmire. Today, Pakistan has become a source of great concern for the U.S. regarding combating terrorism. Pakistan’s western border is used by Taliban and AlQaeda terrorists as a safe haven where they could easily pursue their activities. These terrorist not only posing a serious security threat to the stability and security of Pakistan but on the other hand, they are trying to destabilize U.S. and its allies reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan in the War against Terrorism. This precarious situation has given these terrorists a free hand to exploit already deteriorating condition and they successfully create toxic propaganda on the basis of a narrative of government’s failure to provide stability and prosperity to the deprived people of the region. Since Pakistan has been a key ally of Washington; it has contributed more than any other coalition partner of the U.S. in this ongoing War against Terrorism including sacrifices of more than 8,500 Pakistan military personnel and as many as 35,000 Pakistani civilians. Pakistan under President Musharraf regime not only banned several militant terrorist organizations but it acted in a prompt manner in detaining thousands of extremists from its territory. It captured many high value Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists thus extending full length support to the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies in rooting out terrorists’ network. U.S. is very much aware of the fact they could not have killed and captured terrorists without the co-operation and support of Pakistani intelligence. But on the other hand, American officials believe that Pakistani military is not playing an effective role to combat terrorism. They often blame that Pakistani military is playing a dual role with the U.S. and its allies and is supporting the Afghan Taliban on the other side of the border in Afghanistan where they undermine NATO and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) efforts to bring peace and stability. Since 9/11, Washington and Islamabad have different perceptions and strategies to combat terrorism with outstanding differences but somehow both unequal partners in War against Terrorism have tried to manage their ties. Undoubtedly, the most important and grave concern from the Pakistani military perspective has been the U.S. unreliable role in this War against Terrorism and the way it has been showing its distrust regarding Pakistan’s military efforts to fight terrorism. This study basically examines post-9/11 period and the impact which this War against Terrorism has created on U.S.-Pakistan relations. It emphasizes: i. the role of Pakistan as a strong and vital diplomatic, military and logistic ally of the U.S. and ii. the repercussions for Pakistan in a long run and its position on the international stage. However, Pakistan’s role in this war is a complex phenomenon in terms of its implications.