ISLAMABAD: Exaggeration and drama are characteristics of Pakistan. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that US President Joe Biden's hurried, spontaneous comment sparked uproar.

The US ambassador in Islamabad was called in for a pep talk at the Foreign Office. Biden was roundly criticised by political parties for calling Pakistan one of the "most dangerous nations" in the world.

In fact, at least two of Pakistan's top pro-Taliban nuclear scientists were fired shortly after the US invasion of Afghanistan in order to appease the White House. It is pertinent to note out that America's unwillingness to look past the tip of its nose is paving the road for Pakistan to be removed from the FATF's "grey list," which keeps track of who is funding terrorism and money laundering.

It is reasonable to suppose that there are many religious radicals in the Pakistani military. One example is that Jihad is taught in the curriculum of Pakistan's purportedly professional army. The ongoing conflict between former prime minister Imran Khan and the establishment (a polite term for the GHQ)has provided a clearer clue. Khan only has issues with the top brass, despite the fact that he is portrayed as being critical of the army.

According to publicly available reports, middle-ranking commanders and soldiers support Imran because of his rhetorical support for the United States. Some of these officers would soon be promoted to more important positions and be able to make a significant decision regarding issues that the army rules over, such as the future of the civil rulers.

It is easy to predict whether Pakistan would become more or less "dangerous" if the pro-jihad army leaders were promoted. It will undoubtedly bring the Islamization of the Pakistani Army one step closer. The dictator Zia-ul-Haq started this project after the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Army and as part of his own scheme to exact revenge on India for its role in allowing the Bengali-speaking East Pakistan to become a sovereign Bangladesh.

Following 9/11, Pakistan's relationship with the US seemed to be deteriorating, however this phase was only temporary. Because the US has started to once again view Pakistan as an indispensable ally in the area following its withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent ego damage. With or without the Biden chuckle, mending ties with the "epicentre of global terrorism" (Pakistan) has once again taken precedence in the US.
Even while anti-Americanism has flourished in Pakistan, especially since the former cricketer was elected Prime Minister, the country eagerly awaits the US overtures. Since his removal, anti-Americanism has only intensified, partly to the discomfort of the current ruling regime, which is eager to go above and above to appease Washington in exchange for prizes like F-16s.

The all-weather friendship Pakistan has with China, according to Imran, means it doesn't need the US. He is circulating the nation, informing the populace that the US is eager to make friends with Pakistan due to "our power over the Taliban lords," who are in charge of deciding the fate of the Afghan people.

Although Imran has sparked a popular anti-American response, it might not pose a long-term challenge to the Shehbaz Sharif government. Undoubtedly, it will anger the regime, which wants to mend fences with the US to their previous level. It is uncertain whether Pakistan's interests will be served by entire reliance on China. However, given the strain of Pakistani public opinion, it will be necessary to go slowly when mending relations with the US.

After Russia's bombing campaign Biden promises Ukraine to give advanced air defense systems

'Don't go to Pakistan..,' why did the US give this advice to its citizens?

UK PM Liz Truss quits after only 45 days in office, Sunak now in focus