Mutually-Beneficial Ties.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security, Moeed Yusuf's recent comments on the future trajectory of Pak-US relations indicates that our government is looking to turn a new page in ties between the two countries. The past four years have seen a lack of any real progress, though this is easily explained by the Trump Administration's closeness to the Modi government.

President Biden's rise to power presents a renewed opportunity for Pakistan to forge ties that do not pivot based on the situation in Afghanistan. Our role as a key stakeholder of the outcome of talks in Kabul remains crucial, but this in no way implies that this is the only value Islamabad brings in any diplomatic engagement with Washington. A relationship of 'mutual understanding' can only be possible if bilateral engagements offer up a wide-ranging portfolio of subjects to cooperate on. In the past, military cooperation in reference to Afghanistan and the war on terror has been a focal point, but with all stakeholders striving for peace, it is important to chart a new course forward with economic progress as the foundation.

The Modi-Trump...