Thread by @StimsonCenter

🚨Follow along with us as we LIVE TWEET our discussion on the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations amidst geopolitical churn🚨

In his opening remarks, @asadmk17 notes: “As the new #BidenAdministration starts to determine its policy priorities, the Biden team will have to bring itself up to speed w/ the developments in the region. The #BidenAdministration will need to deal w/ a new & transformed Pakistan”

On the Afghanistan peace process, @asadmk17 observes: “Pakistan has clearly and unconditionally supported the Afghan peace process. Pakistan has maintained that there is no military solution, only way to solve the crisis is through dialogue.”

In his discussant remarks, @splalwani notes: “One challenge that comes from the US is that when it comes to more economic engagement w/ Pakistan, it is not a US-govt. led solution. It is more B2B than G2G. Pakistan would need to build a more investment-friendly environment.”

On U.S.-Pakistan economic engagement, @asadmk17 notes: “Karachi and Islamabad are two of the safest cities in the wider neighborhood. Yet, the travel advisory on Pakistan hasn’t been revised and this becomes a disincentive for major international businesses.”

In response to @splalwani’s question on PK.'s nuclear prog, @asadmk17 notes: “No US ally should be concerned about what we do w/ our nuclear prog.—PK. has shown restraint & responsibility & has complied w/ all security protocols. PK.’s nuclear prog. only has a regional context.”

On regional connectivity, @asadmk17 observes: “We want to build connectivity with our eastern & western sides. However, India should reverse its unilateral actions & resume dialogue if it wants to work alongside with Pak to build regional economic connectivity.

@asadmk17 notes: “Pakistan wants to have a standalone relationship with the United States. All other relationships can complement the US-Pak relation, but we will not let the ups and downs of other relationships affect the US-Pak bilateral dynamic.”

On US concerns about Pak-China relations, @asadmk17 emphasizes: “Pakistan would want its part of the world for cooperation rather than an area of competition.”

@splalwani: “One area of convergence could be a ‘rule-based order’ which is not only about near economic relationship but about affirming principles for a system based on values and would signal differentiation from other actors in the world.”

On Xinjiang, @asadmk17 notes: “There is no comparison between the Kashmir and Xinjiang situation. When it comes to a third country situation, Pakistan has exercised caution and communicated it through private bilateral channels.”

@asadmk17 notes: “US should be talking to all stakeholders in AF instead of telling them what to do—it's important to engage views & learn from each other. Instead of opening or reopening what has been already achieved, it's important to focus on the Intra-Afghan neg. process.”

On Afghanistan, @asadmk17 observes: “It is not a question of looking backwards but looking forwards and that means the ability of all stakeholders to make the intra-Afghan negotiations successful.”

On Indo-Pacific, @asadmk17: “In the form and shape the Indo-Pacific strategy has come out, it will make things difficult as it excludes Pakistan. We would want cooperation as long as it is open and transparent.”

On the Daniel Pearl case, @asadmk17 says, “The Daniel Pearl incident has been an unfortunate case. Pakistan is committed to continue to avail all legal remedies to pursue the case and bring it to a logical conclusion.”

In the closing remarks, @ethrelkeld notes: “This is a helpful discussion to learn about issues policymakers in Islamabad and Washington will be facing over the coming years.”