The U.S. Keeps Pakistan at Arm's Length

John Kirby’s vague reassurances reveal Washington’s lukewarm commitment to a long-time partner grappling with terrorism and regional instability

Recent interaction with John Kirby inside The White House Press Room regarding Pakistan.

QUESTION: Thank you, John. Mr. Fayaz Naich from Awaz TV network, Pakistan. As you mentioned in your opening remarks that the key legacy of the Biden administration’s foreign policy is restoring, revitalizing the alliances and creating new partnerships, I would like to ask the efforts of the Biden administration to revitalize their partnership or alliance with their long-term ally, Pakistan. Because nowadays, Pakistan is continuously appealing the global community, including U.S., that the mess in Afghanistan, the regrouping of al-Qaida, IS, Taliban, TTP, and all those terrorist groups – Pakistan is requesting and appealing the global community to help to solve that problem. Will you please explain the Biden administration’s efforts about that?

MR KIRBY: Well, first, I’d – as you know, Pakistan was never a technical ally of the United States. I mean, there was no treaty of alliance with Pakistan. But certainly, over many, many years in the last couple of decades, we partnered with Pakistan as appropriate to deal with the terrorist threat that still exists on that spine between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And we recognize that Pakistan is still – still the Pakistani people fall victim to terrorist violence coming from across that border. We recognize that. And we have and for as long as we’ll be in office here remain committed to working with Pakistan to address those common threats and challenges. And that’s not – that hasn’t changed. It’s not going to change.

Our Analysis: John Kirby’s response highlights a nuanced U.S.-Pakistan dynamic. He clarifies that Pakistan is not a formal ally under treaty terms but acknowledges past cooperation against terrorism in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Kirby reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to addressing shared security threats, especially terrorism, but stopped short of discussing any concrete new initiatives or strategic shifts under the Biden administration.

This measured tone suggests a continued yet limited engagement, reflecting broader U.S. strategic priorities that likely deprioritize Pakistan compared to other global alliances. The lack of specific actions or deeper partnership signals indicates a transactional rather than transformative relationship moving forward.