One year after the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on 22 April 2025, the aftershocks are still shaping South Asia’s geopolitics and testing the strategic clarity of the United States. The attack, which killed 26 innocent civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, was among the deadliest assaults on non-combatants in Kashmir in recent years. It not only reignited India–Pakistan tensions but also exposed the enduring duality in Washington’s regional approach—deepening ties with India while preserving tactical en&nbsp;Yet, the strategic convergence that might have followed did not fully materialise. Instead, India–US relations entered a phase of friction. A key irritant was President Trump’s claim of a US role in mediating between India and Pakistan—something New Delhi has consistently rejected. The disagreement soon spilled into the economic domain, with sharper rhetoric on trade imbalances, tariffs, and market access. What emerged was a familiar contradiction: the two countries aligned closely on security concerns, particularly terrorism and China’s rise, but diverged on economic nationalism and geopolitical autonomy.&nbsp;Despite these tensions, the relationship did not fracture. It recalibrated. The structural drivers of India–US ties remain strong. China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific continues to push both countries closer, making their partnership strategically indispensable. Economic interdependence also plays a stabilising role, with the United States remaining one of India’s largest trading partners and a critical source of investment and technology. Institutional mechanisms—ranging from defence cooperation to multilateral platforms—provide continuity even when political signals fluctuate. In essence, both sides recognised that short-term disagreements could not override long-term strategic interests.&nbsp;Even as ties stabilised after&nbsp;the February 2026 trade deal, bringing the effective tariff rate down to&nbsp;18 per cent, a new geopolitical variable began to change the equation: rising tensions involving the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. In this evolving West Asian geopolitical landscape, Pakistan has found renewed relevance. In its newfound role as global peacemaker, Pakistan has worked frantically to water down differences between Iran and the US. Leveraging its geography and historical ties, Islamabad has positioned itself as a potential intermediary in backchannel engagements. For Washington, this is less about preference and more about necessity. Pakistan offers access, influence, and logistical advantages that become valuable during regional crises.&nbsp;This renewed engagement does not imply a strategic shift away from India, but it does highlight a recurring pattern. The United States tends to engage Pakistan tactically when immediate regional challenges demand it, even as it invests in a longer-term partnership with India. For New Delhi, this creates both concern and clarity. The concern lies in the possibility that renewed US–Pakistan engagement could dilute international pressure on terror networks operating from Pakistani soil. The clarity, however, comes from recognising that Washington’s approach is fundamentally interest-driven and issue-specific.&nbsp;At the same time, India’s position has strengthened in certain respects. Its consistent emphasis on counter-terrorism, reinforced after Pahalgam, has bolstered its credibility globally. The country’s growing economic weight and its role in seminal Indo-Pacific dynamics ensure that it remains central to US strategic thinking. Moreover, India’s policy of strategic autonomy allows it to engage multiple global players without being locked into rigid alliances&nbsp;Pahalgam was a stark reminder that acts of terror can recast not only national security responses but also international alignments. For the United States, it reaffirmed the need to manage competing priorities in a volatile region. For India, it underscored the importance of engaging global partners with both realism and resolve. In a world defined by changing equations, stability is no longer assured—it is continuously negotiated.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-sets-condition-for-talks-in-pakistan-after-trump-s-ceasefire-extension-hormuz-kharg-island-islamabad-iran-port-blockade-1776841360874"> If they seek war, we are ready...': Iran sets condition for talks in Pakistan after Trump's ceasefire extension</a>

Trump reinforced this balance publicly, urging restraint and bilateral resolution even as tensions escalated briefly along the Line of Control. Behind the scenes, US diplomacy played a quiet role in encouraging de-escalation, underscoring its preference for stability over confrontation.

One year after the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on 22 April 2025, the aftershocks are still shaping South Asia’s geopolitics and testing the strategic clarity of the United States. The attack, which killed 26 innocent civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, was among the deadliest assaults on non-combatants in Kashmir in recent years. It not only reignited India–Pakistan tensions but also exposed the enduring duality in Washington’s regional approach—deepening ties with India while preserving tactical en Yet, the strategic convergence that might have followed did not fully materialise. Instead, India–US relations entered a phase of friction. A key irritant was President Trump’s claim of a US role in mediating between India and Pakistan—something New Delhi has consistently rejected. The disagreement soon spilled into the economic domain, with sharper rhetoric on trade imbalances, tariffs, and market access. What emerged was a familiar contradiction: the two countries aligned closely on security concerns, particularly terrorism and China’s rise, but diverged on economic nationalism and geopolitical autonomy. Despite these tensions, the relationship did not fracture. It recalibrated. The structural drivers of India–US ties remain strong. China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific continues to push both countries closer, making their partnership strategically indispensable. Economic interdependence also plays a stabilising role, with the United States remaining one of India’s largest trading partners and a critical source of investment and technology. Institutional mechanisms—ranging from defence cooperation to multilateral platforms—provide continuity even when political signals fluctuate. In essence, both sides recognised that short-term disagreements could not override long-term strategic interests. Even as ties stabilised after the February 2026 trade deal, bringing the effective tariff rate down to 18 per cent, a new geopolitical variable began to change the equation: rising tensions involving the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. In this evolving West Asian geopolitical landscape, Pakistan has found renewed relevance. In its newfound role as global peacemaker, Pakistan has worked frantically to water down differences between Iran and the US. Leveraging its geography and historical ties, Islamabad has positioned itself as a potential intermediary in backchannel engagements. For Washington, this is less about preference and more about necessity. Pakistan offers access, influence, and logistical advantages that become valuable during regional crises. This renewed engagement does not imply a strategic shift away from India, but it does highlight a recurring pattern. The United States tends to engage Pakistan tactically when immediate regional challenges demand it, even as it invests in a longer-term partnership with India. For New Delhi, this creates both concern and clarity. The concern lies in the possibility that renewed US–Pakistan engagement could dilute international pressure on terror networks operating from Pakistani soil. The clarity, however, comes from recognising that Washington’s approach is fundamentally interest-driven and issue-specific. At the same time, India’s position has strengthened in certain respects. Its consistent emphasis on counter-terrorism, reinforced after Pahalgam, has bolstered its credibility globally. The country’s growing economic weight and its role in seminal Indo-Pacific dynamics ensure that it remains central to US strategic thinking. Moreover, India’s policy of strategic autonomy allows it to engage multiple global players without being locked into rigid alliances Pahalgam was a stark reminder that acts of terror can recast not only national security responses but also international alignments. For the United States, it reaffirmed the need to manage competing priorities in a volatile region. For India, it underscored the importance of engaging global partners with both realism and resolve. In a world defined by changing equations, stability is no longer assured—it is continuously negotiated. Also read: If they seek war, we are ready...': Iran sets condition for talks in Pakistan after Trump's ceasefire extension

Trump reinforced this balance publicly, urging restraint and bilateral resolution even as tensions escalated briefly along the Line of Control. Behind the scenes, US diplomacy played a quiet role in encouraging de-escalation, underscoring its preference for stability over confrontation.

Pahalgam, Pakistan and power politics: How the US balances India and Islamabad

Former US president Donald Trump stopped aid to Pakistan after it emerged that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was in "undeniable complicity" with the terrorists, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA)&nbsp;Lt Gen (retd) HR McMaster has revealed in his book.&nbsp;

McMaster in his latest book,&nbsp;"At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House" stated that&nbsp;despite Trump's diktat, the then defence secretary, Jim Mattis, planned to deliver a military package worth $150 million to Pakistan that included armoured vehicles.&nbsp;

“It was difficult to get State and Defence even to comply with Trump’s directives to stop certain activities. I discovered that contrary to the South Asia strategy, which called for the suspension of all aid to Pakistan with a few exceptions,"&nbsp;McMaster wrote in the book.&nbsp;

"When Mattis visited Islamabad in the coming weeks, the Pentagon was going to deliver a military aid package that included more than USD 150 million worth of armoured vehicles."

After Trump heard about Mattis's plans, he called for a meeting with him, the CIA deputy director and other senior officials.&nbsp;

"I started by noting that the president (Trump) had been very clear on multiple occasions to suspend aid to the Pakistanis until they halted support for terrorist organisations that were killing Afghans, Americans, and coalition members in Afghanistan," wrote&nbsp;McMaster.&nbsp;

"We had all heard Trump say, 'I do not want any money going to Pakistan',” said&nbsp;McMaster as Mattis reluctantly halted the shipment of assistance.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistani-man-arrested-for-alleged-plot-to-kill-trump-other-us-officials-748176">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pakistani Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other US Officials</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistani-man-arrested-for-alleged-plot-to-kill-trump-other-us-officials-748176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>'Lies and deceit'</h2>

Up until Trump decided to cut funding to Pakistan in 2018, the US had shelled billions to combat terrorism and insurgents in the region without any tangible results.&nbsp;

Consequently, on New Year's Day, Trump posted: "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan with little help. No more!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-envoy-during-visit-to-pok-refers-to-the-region-as-azad-kashmir-stirs-controversy-523225">Also read |&nbsp;US envoy, during visit to PoK, refers to the region as ‘Azad Kashmir’, stirs controversy</a>

Pakistan has been the hotbed of terrorism in the region, exporting terrorists to neighbouring countries, especially India. Despite the dent in assistance from Washington, Islamabad continues to be a terrorist-churning-factory that threatens to destabilise peace in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump stopped aid to Pakistan after it emerged that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was in "undeniable complicity" with the terrorists, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen (retd) HR McMaster has revealed in his book.

Former US president Donald Trump stopped aid to Pakistan after it emerged that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was in "undeniable complicity" with the terrorists, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen (retd) HR McMaster has revealed in his book. McMaster in his latest book, "At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House" stated that despite Trump's diktat, the then defence secretary, Jim Mattis, planned to deliver a military package worth $150 million to Pakistan that included armoured vehicles. “It was difficult to get State and Defence even to comply with Trump’s directives to stop certain activities. I discovered that contrary to the South Asia strategy, which called for the suspension of all aid to Pakistan with a few exceptions," McMaster wrote in the book. "When Mattis visited Islamabad in the coming weeks, the Pentagon was going to deliver a military aid package that included more than USD 150 million worth of armoured vehicles." After Trump heard about Mattis's plans, he called for a meeting with him, the CIA deputy director and other senior officials. "I started by noting that the president (Trump) had been very clear on multiple occasions to suspend aid to the Pakistanis until they halted support for terrorist organisations that were killing Afghans, Americans, and coalition members in Afghanistan," wrote McMaster. "We had all heard Trump say, 'I do not want any money going to Pakistan',” said McMaster as Mattis reluctantly halted the shipment of assistance. Watch | Gravitas: Pakistani Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Kill Trump, Other US Officials × 'Lies and deceit' Up until Trump decided to cut funding to Pakistan in 2018, the US had shelled billions to combat terrorism and insurgents in the region without any tangible results. Consequently, on New Year's Day, Trump posted: "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan with little help. No more!" The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × Also read | US envoy, during visit to PoK, refers to the region as ‘Azad Kashmir’, stirs controversy Pakistan has been the hotbed of terrorism in the region, exporting terrorists to neighbouring countries, especially India. Despite the dent in assistance from Washington, Islamabad continues to be a terrorist-churning-factory that threatens to destabilise peace in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Why Trump stopped aid to Pakistan as president? Former NSA reveals in book

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-speaks-on-pakistan-calls-it-one-of-the-most-dangerous-nations-in-the-world-525651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP.

On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pakistan-china-grow-closer-study-recommends-us-should-mend-ties-with-islamabad-522590">As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad</a>

Quoting a White House transcript&nbsp;Reuters reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-game-changing-student-loan-forgiveness-progamme-launched-8-million-applications-in-already-526307">President Biden</a> said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion."

Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest.

Expressing his surprise at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden's</a> comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said,&nbsp;"as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-pak-one-of-the-most-dangerous-nations-then-explains-why-525600">Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark</a>

Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme.

However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal. Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets." Watch | US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world "The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP. On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan. Also read | As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad Quoting a White House transcript Reuters reports that President Biden said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion." Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest. Expressing his surprise at Biden's comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, "as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA." Also read | Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme. However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations. Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Biden's 'dangerous' Pak remark, US says 'confident' of Islamabad's ability to control nuclear assets

The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation.

The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement.

Referring to distrust over Afghanistan the group said "Instead of allowing existing differences to define the partnership, it may be time to recognise that both sides need to understand the other's interests so that they can then find a way to work on areas of mutual concern."

Watch |&nbsp;US: Job openings fall sharply to 10.053 MN in August, record National debt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-job-openings-fall-sharply-to-10053-mn-in-august-record-national-debt-522554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States and Pakistan as per AFP were allies throughout the Cold War, however, American authorities lost patience with Islamabad because they believed the government there was secretly aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan.

As per the group, the US in the past had linked the Pakistan relationship to Afghanistan or Islamabad's historic rival India, but it should now avoid looking at it through the lens of China.

Instead, it added, by promoting investment from US businesses and others, the US may "help build Pakistan's capacity for transparency and compliance" with regard to Chinese loans and lessen Pakistan's reliance on China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US' debt reaches all time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Pakistan in recent times has forged a close relationship with China, which along with being the world's second-largest economy is seen as Washington's key competitor. It also echoed fears that Beijing may saddle Pakistan which is facing an economic crisis with debt.

"While Pakistan and the US often fail to see eye-to-eye when it comes to Afghanistan, China, or India, they do share mutual interests in seeking stability in the region, combatting the problem of extremism and averting armed conflict in nuclear South Asia," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation. The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement.

The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation. The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement. Referring to distrust over Afghanistan the group said "Instead of allowing existing differences to define the partnership, it may be time to recognise that both sides need to understand the other's interests so that they can then find a way to work on areas of mutual concern." Watch | US: Job openings fall sharply to 10.053 MN in August, record National debt The United States and Pakistan as per AFP were allies throughout the Cold War, however, American authorities lost patience with Islamabad because they believed the government there was secretly aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan. As per the group, the US in the past had linked the Pakistan relationship to Afghanistan or Islamabad's historic rival India, but it should now avoid looking at it through the lens of China. Instead, it added, by promoting investment from US businesses and others, the US may "help build Pakistan's capacity for transparency and compliance" with regard to Chinese loans and lessen Pakistan's reliance on China. Also read | US' debt reaches all time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Pakistan in recent times has forged a close relationship with China, which along with being the world's second-largest economy is seen as Washington's key competitor. It also echoed fears that Beijing may saddle Pakistan which is facing an economic crisis with debt. "While Pakistan and the US often fail to see eye-to-eye when it comes to Afghanistan, China, or India, they do share mutual interests in seeking stability in the region, combatting the problem of extremism and averting armed conflict in nuclear South Asia," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-abruptly-cuts-taiwanese-ministers-video-at-summit-for-democracy-2021-436416" hreflang="en">US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021'</a>

However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted.

According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references.

Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-with-pakistan-on-counterterrorism-measures-to-continue-says-us-wendy-sherman-419349">Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman</a>

In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan.

An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3.

In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/days-after-ttp-ends-ceasefire-agreement-steady-rise-in-attack-on-pakistans-security-forces-436401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US.

Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. &nbsp;

In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August. In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States. Also read | US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021' However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted. According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references. Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard. Also read | Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan. An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3. In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan. Watch | Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US. Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Even as Washington tries to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan, its actions indicate concern

President Donald Trump on Sunday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-meets-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-amid-reports-of-uae-package-178070">defended his administration's decision</a> to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city.

Referring to Laden and his former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bin-laden-raid-commander-to-trump-revoke-my-security-clearance-too-159688">compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan</a>, Trump in an interview to Fox News said, "You know, living ? think of this ? living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer."

The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden there in 2011.

"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added.

"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Trump also said that he has plans to visit Iraq and Afghanistan to meet American troops stationed there.

"Well, I think you will see that happen. There are things that are being planned. We don't want to talk about it because of - obviously because of security reasons and everything else," he said.

Trump has been criticised by his political opponents for not visiting either Afghanistan or Iraq in the first two years of his presidency.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city.

President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city. Referring to Laden and his former compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Trump in an interview to Fox News said, "You know, living ? think of this ? living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer." The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden there in 2011. "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added. "And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil. Trump also said that he has plans to visit Iraq and Afghanistan to meet American troops stationed there. "Well, I think you will see that happen. There are things that are being planned. We don't want to talk about it because of - obviously because of security reasons and everything else," he said. Trump has been criticised by his political opponents for not visiting either Afghanistan or Iraq in the first two years of his presidency.

Everybody in Pakistan knew Bin Laden was there, and we gave them $1.3 billion a year: Trump