Abstract
The history of Pakistan U.S. relations is an excellent example of on-again, off-again partnership and marked by convergence and divergence of national interests. The current relationship is strained due to many issues creating mistrust and resentment between the two states. The prevailing mistrust and dissatisfaction creates hurdles in the way of attaining mutual goals and objectives and obstruct cooperation between the two countries. A strong Pakistan US alliance is important for peace and stability of the whole South Asia. This paper focuses on the need for strong bilateral relationship, mutual trust and close cooperation between Pakistan and United States for attaining both countries objectives in Afghanistan and South Asia. It also aims at exploring the causes of prevailing mistrust and dissatisfaction that obstruct cooperation and progress in Pak-U.S. relationship. This qualitative study identifies; misconceptions about policies, conflicts of interests, US covert military operations and drone strikes, the US- India nuclear deal and increasing USIndia relations , internal disturbances in Pakistan, Pakistan’s relations with China and the US demand to do more as the major contributing factors for the strained US- Pakistan relations. This paper concludes that a viable , stable and healthy relationship is possible only when there is an increased trust and mutual respect between the two states. Moreover, both US and Pakistan must work on identifying mutual interests and increased relations in trade and social sector besides war on terror.