Pakistan-US Relations: Transactional-Transformational Debate

This paper is divided into two parts; the first part is about the Transactional approach which mainly dominates the major period of Pakistan-US relations initially. The second section has analyzed the approach of the Transformational phenomenon, which is based on skepticism. Pakistan in its relation with the US will not capitulate to follow a binary approach of “extreme oppose or extreme closeness” given its varied and convoluted interests. Pakistan's readjustment in its policy regarding war against terrorism and rising US-Indian partnership in the region has compelled it to look towards the East for Russo-Chinese support. This changing alignment in the region provides an opportunity for Pakistan to readjust its policies in order to address its critical defence and economic needs. Thereby, has expanded the narrative of the Transformation both at the state and public levels. In this context, the study argues that Russo-Chinese active support for Pakistan could create a paradigm shift in the coming years.