A scathing new report exposes the cracks in America’s relationship with Pakistan. Even with elite Major Non-NATO Ally designation, Islamabad has repeatedly proven itself untrustworthy. Experts now demand a hard rethink of the special status, arguing Pakistan functions more as a liability than a reliable collaborator.
Published by the Gatestone Institute, the document zeroes in on Pakistan’s overt preference for Iran amid US-Israel tensions, particularly over Gaza. This predisposition reveals deep-seated unreliability on pivotal global flashpoints.
Decades of history bolster this Iran-Pakistan axis. Pakistan withheld recognition from Israel post-1948. Conversely, it swiftly endorsed Iran’s Islamic Republic after the 1979 revolution, becoming the pioneer in doing so. Iran reciprocated early goodwill by recognizing Pakistan first in 1947. Their economic interdependence is robust, with trade volumes hitting $2.8 billion annually.
Brotherly rhetoric masks aligned agendas. Both countries frame their bond around mutual regional stakes. Balochistan serves as a litmus test: Iran and Pakistan equally dread Baloch separatist fervor as an existential peril to sovereignty.
High-level talks in November 2024 between IRGC’s Hossein Salami and Pakistan’s General Asim Munir sealed pledges to combat Baloch militants jointly. China’s shadow looms large, amplifying this pact via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor—a Belt and Road cornerstone—Iran covets integration into.
For US policymakers, the message is unequivocal: Pakistan’s entanglements erode its value as an ally. Revoking MNNA perks isn’t optional; it’s imperative. As Washington navigates a multipolar world, betting on fickle partners like Pakistan risks strategic blunders. Time to pivot toward steadfast alliances that safeguard national security.