UPDATE: The United States has just confirmed a significant shift in its diplomatic approach, strengthening ties with Pakistan while Islamabad’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, tightens his control over the country. This development raises urgent concerns about the implications for regional stability and the fight against terrorism.
In a controversial move, Pakistan’s parliament has passed a sweeping constitutional amendment that enhances Field Marshal Munir’s authority and grants him lifetime immunity from arrest and prosecution. This law, enacted last Thursday, solidifies military influence over the nation’s political and judicial systems, signaling a troubling backslide towards military dominance.
While Washington engages more deeply with Munir—who has visited the White House twice this year—India’s relationship with the U.S. faces increasing strain. American officials have prioritized military and economic ties with Pakistan, seemingly overlooking the dangers of a consolidating dictatorship. Observers note that this alignment comes despite Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist organizations, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In a recent operation, India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, following an attack that targeted Hindu tourists in Pahalgam. Reports suggest that, in response, Pakistan’s military has aided the reconstruction of these terror bases and facilitated the relocation of terrorist operations to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region perceived as more defensible against Indian strikes.
On September 14, Jaish-e-Mohammed held a recruitment rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under police protection, raising alarms about the military’s complicity. The rally featured Maulana Mufti Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, who claimed that Munir had directed the military to honor fallen terrorists during their funerals—a statement that intensifies fears regarding Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism.
Moreover, on October 9, 2023, Pakistani aircraft targeted positions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in Kabul, coinciding with a landmark visit of the Afghan foreign minister to India. This highlights Pakistan’s diminishing influence in Afghanistan, as the Taliban has shifted towards a more nationalist agenda, reducing Islamabad’s leverage over the group.
The implications are profound. With the collapse of its strategic depth policy, Pakistan faces potential fragmentation, as Pashtun populations resist Punjabi dominance. Should separatist movements in Balochistan gain traction, Pakistan risks further internal strife.
As the U.S. reassesses its South Asia strategy, the prioritization of ties with Pakistan—especially under a military regime—could backfire. With India emerging as a dominant power in the region, characterized by its growing technological leadership and democratic ideals, the U.S. must recognize the shifting dynamics.
The urgency of recalibrating U.S. policy towards Pakistan cannot be overstated. As Washington deepens its engagement with a potentially authoritarian regime, it must weigh the long-term consequences for regional security and its own interests. This developing situation warrants close attention as it unfolds, with far-reaching ramifications for South Asia and beyond.
