US influence shapes Pakistan’s current political strategy

For many decades, Pakistan’s army chiefs have worked closely with the United States, often putting Washington’s priorities above their own people’s needs. From General Yahya Khan in 1971 to General Pervez Musharraf in 2001, Pakistan’s military leaders have followed a clear pattern: they deliver what the U.S. wants while securing their own power at home.

In 1971, General Yahya Khan allowed U.S. diplomacy to help open relations with China. He also oversaw the military crackdown in East Pakistan, which killed hundreds of thousands of Bengalis. General Zia-ul-Haq supported the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union between 1979 and 1988, and later ran Pakistan’s secret nuclear weapons program while overthrowing Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. General Musharraf, in 2001, allowed U.S. forces to use Pakistan’s airbases and land routes during the War on Terror.

This pattern shows that Pakistan’s army chiefs treat the U.S. as a partner for their own security and survival. Many analysts believe that the army chief’s office in Rawalpindi acts as the country’s real decision-making center, similar to how the Indian Prime Minister’s office controls sensitive files on defense and nuclear programs. The “guidebook” for Pakistan’s generals seems simple: “figure out what the U.S. wants, and deliver.”

Asim Munir continues the tradition

In 2025, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, appears to be following this old playbook. Munir has locked up former Prime Minister Imran Khan, overseen controlled elections, and led Pakistan through a brief conflict with India. Recently, Munir accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the White House, signaling Pakistan’s continued alignment with U.S. priorities.

During the visit, Munir brought a box of rare earth minerals, highlighting Pakistan’s potential role in the global competition for resources. China controls most of the world’s rare earth exports, and the U.S. is seeking alternative sources for these critical materials used in technology, electric vehicles, chips, and defense systems. Pakistan signed an agreement to export minerals like copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earths to the U.S., showing how geopolitics and geology are now linked.

This move also aims to strengthen Pakistan’s position internationally. Munir hopes to attract both U.S. and Chinese investment, raise Pakistan’s influence, and secure loans to support the struggling economy. However, analysts warn that the country’s mineral wealth will not provide immediate gains. Mines need to be developed, resources extracted, and processing plants built—a process that could take years.

This is not the first time Pakistan’s military governments have promised major economic projects. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2015, was projected to turn Pakistan into a regional economic power. Yet, the project has faced natural disasters, environmental problems, social unrest, and heavy debt. Its economic benefits have not fully materialized, and security threats to Chinese workers continue.

Now, Pakistan is promoting its mineral wealth to attract further foreign investment, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These provinces have been affected by conflict and instability, making investment risky but potentially rewarding. Munir’s strategy aims to balance relations between the U.S. and China while strengthening Pakistan’s military-led government.

History shows risks of depending on the U.S.

Pakistan’s relationship with the U.S. has always been transactional. The U.S. has provided support and military aid during critical moments, such as the Cold War, the Afghan War, and the War on Terror. But when U.S. interests changed, Pakistan’s leaders often faced isolation or hostility. Previous army chiefs like Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Musharraf all eventually faced downfall—some in exile, some in death, often under difficult circumstances.

Field Marshal Munir appears to have learned from history. He has created a hybrid system where civilian leaders take public criticism while the military maintains power and control. This structure helps him survive politically while pursuing long-term goals, such as exploiting Pakistan’s mineral wealth. Surviving long enough to see these resources developed could be his greatest achievement.

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Analysts warn that while Pakistan continues to act as a U.S. partner, the country’s economy and social stability remain fragile. Loans, foreign investment, and mineral exports may help, but the underlying political and security risks are high. Historically, military-led governments have been good at short-term maneuvers for global powers but struggle with long-term development and stability.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s army chiefs have always followed the U.S. playbook to secure power and international support. From Yahya Khan to Munir, this pattern has shaped the country’s history. Today, Munir’s focus on minerals and geopolitics continues the tradition, highlighting how Pakistan’s leadership balances domestic control with international alliances. While the strategy may bring short-term gains, the lessons of the past show that relying heavily on foreign powers can be risky, and long-term stability depends on careful planning and governance.