POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF PAKISTAN’S ENGAGEMENT IN THE US-LED ‘WAR ON TERROR’

Abstract

This study examines the political dimensions of Pakistan’s engagement as a frontline state in the US-led ‘War on Terror.’ The study argues that the ‘War on Terror’ overwhelmingly impacted Pakistan’s political milieu. Internally, the ‘War on Terror’ undermined civilian institutions, contributed to political fragmentation and increased military and violence. Moreover, the US-backed prolonged Musharraf rule, US structural presence in the country and deepening civil-military imbalance squeezed the political space of Pakistan Peoples Party-led government, thereby further complicating Pakistan’s political landscape. Externally, the War had profound impact on Islamabad’s genuine political interests vis-à-vis Kashmir and Afghanistan. The distrust between Kabul and Islamabad grew due to the ‘War on Terror’ and relations with Afghanistan were increasingly strained. With India, the tensions over Kashmir dispute remained the principal stumbling block in normalization of relations. The study concludes that the US-led ‘War on Terror’ remained an important factor to shape Pakistan’s political landscape by influencing its security and foreign policy. Keywords: Civil-military relations, Jammu & Kashmir dispute, Musharraf regime, Afghan conflict, Terrorism.