Pakistan

The United States established diplomatic relations with Pakistan following the country’s independence in 1947.  We have a multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan in areas ranging from counterterrorism to energy to trade and investment.  Pakistani forces have made significant sacrifices in recent years to reclaim parts of the country previously held by militant groups.  Pakistan also has taken some action against externally-focused militant groups and UN-designated terrorist organizations operating from its territory in accordance with its National Action Plan against terrorism and Prime Minister Imran’s Khan’s public commitments.  In line with the South Asia strategy announced by the President in August 2017, the United States continues to urge Pakistan to take decisive and irreversible action against these groups.  Pending this action, the United States suspended security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, with certain narrow exceptions for U.S. national security interests.  The United States has been one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan and is Pakistan’s largest export market.  Trade relations between the United States and Pakistan continue to grow and the U.S. government supports this relationship by funding reverse trade delegations, business conferences, technical assistance, and business outreach.