New Security Pact Signals Fresh Start for Defense Cooperation Between Pakistan and U.S.

Pakistan's Cabinet has approved a new security pact with the U.S. in a move that signifies a fresh start in defense cooperation between the two nations. The Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CIS-MOA) will provide legal cover for the sale of military equipment and hardware from the U.S. to Pakistan.

The agreement, first signed in 2005 and expired in 2020, has now been renewed for joint exercises, operations, training, basing, and equipment. This signing of the CIS-MOA indicates that the U.S. may sell military hardware to Pakistan in the future.

However, a retired senior Army officer has downplayed the development, highlighting that long-term U.S. interests are not aligned with Pakistan due to growing strategic ties between the U.S. and India. Nonetheless, this agreement serves the purpose of both countries, as the U.S. needs Pakistan in critical regions.

The relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. has been strained in the past due to differences over Afghanistan and accusations from former President Donald Trump. However, since the Shehbaz Sharif-led government took over in April last year, relations have improved.