Pakistan Was Never a Formal Ally of the US Under Any Treaty, Says White House
White House official John Kirby clarified on Wednesday that Pakistan was never a formal ally of the United States under any treaty or alliance.
“Pakistan was never a technical ally of the United States. I mean, there was no treaty of alliance with Pakistan,” Kirby stated during a press briefing, addressing queries regarding the US response to Islamabad’s concerns over rising cross-border terrorism.
Despite the absence of a formal alliance, Kirby acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the two nations in combating terrorism over the years. “Over many, many years in the last couple of decades, we partnered with Pakistan as appropriate to deal with the terrorist threat,” he said, referring to the volatile border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which remains a hotspot for terrorist activities.
Kirby also highlighted the challenges faced by the Pakistani people, who continue to endure violence stemming from cross-border terrorism.
The White House official reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to working with Pakistan to tackle mutual security threats. “And that’s not — that hasn’t changed. It’s not going to change,” he assured.
The statement comes amid ongoing concerns about regional security dynamics and underscores the nuanced nature of US-Pakistan relations, defined by cooperation on counterterrorism without a formal treaty of alliance.