U.S. Policy Concerns about Pakistan

Preventing Pakistan from further deterioration will require a long-term commitment from the government of Pakistan, the United States, and other international stakeholders to promote genuine reform. According to a report by the Asia Society Pakistan 2020 Study Group, this commitment must be enshrined in a comprehensive package of policies aimed at promoting sustainable constitutional democracy, credible and effective rule of law and law enforcement, a significant expansion and improvement of the education and health sectors, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict with India. Economic growth and foreign investment in Pakistan arguably will follow such progress. The Group's report, Pakistan 2020: A Vision for Building a Better Future, emphasizes that without the urgent adoption of both remedial and innovative measures in all of these areas, the challenges facing Pakistan—including terrorism, religious extremism, underdevelopment, and chronic political instability—will become more serious over time. While Pakistan's path will be defined and driven by internal and regional factors, the international community, especially the United States and its allies, must continue to play a supportive role.