Making the US a Welcome Guest in Pakistan

As a geopolitical analyst with a particular focus on South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), I warmly welcome H.E. Natalie Baker, the designated US Ambassador to Pakistan. Having served in Pakistan for a considerable period, she is reasonably familiar with the country's political and economic landscape, as well as its immediate neighbourhood. This experience should help her appreciate the challenges and opportunities confronting Pakistan.

I would, however, like to submit a few considerations for her attention.

Pakistan shares borders with Afghanistan, Iran and India. Unfortunately, border crossings with the three neighbours have remained closed for extended periods at different times. While such closures are frequently attributed to cross-border terrorism and security concerns, their economic and humanitarian consequences deserve equal attention. The closure of the Afghan border, for instance, disrupts transit trade and, more importantly, the movement of perishable fruits and vegetables, causing substantial losses to farmers on both sides of the border.

Similarly, US sanctions on Iran have constrained Pakistan's access to potentially low-cost Iranian gas, including the proposed onward supply to India. Pakistan also offers transit facilities for goods destined for Central Asian markets through Iran. During the recent US-Israel war on Iran, transit movements remained suspended for an extended period, highlighting the vulnerability of regional trade to geopolitical tensions.

There is also an apparent imbalance in Washington's regional priorities. While the United States regards India as a major trading partner, Pakistan has traditionally been viewed primarily as a frontline ally in the war against terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan. This perception deserves reconsideration.

The United States is a major destination for Pakistan's textiles and clothing exports. Yet, American investment in Pakistan's textile and clothing industry remains relatively modest. Greater US entrepreneurial participation could help Pakistan move towards greater value addition, modernization and stronger industrial competitiveness.

Finally, the continuing conflict in Pakistan's neighbourhood is contributing to rising anti-American sentiment. This is an important consideration that should not be overlooked.

I sincerely hope Ambassador Baker will view these submissions as an opportunity to broaden bilateral engagement. A relationship based on mutual economic interests, regional stability, trade and investment, rather than security considerations alone, would serve both countries better.

Making the United States a welcome guest in Pakistan requires understanding Pakistan's concerns as much as expecting its cooperation.