Because of ideological differences , Pakistan opposed the Soviet Union in the 1950s , and during the Soviet – Afghan War in the 1980s , Pakistan was one of the closest allies of the United States . Relations between Pakistan and Russia have greatly improved since 1999 , and co-operation in various sectors has increased . Pakistan has had an " on-and-off " relationship with the United States . A close ally of the United States during the Cold war , Pakistan 's relationship with the United States soured in the 1990s when the US imposed sanctions because of Pakistan 's secretive nuclear development . Since 9/11 , Pakistan has been a close ally of the United States on the issue of counter-terrorism in the regions of the Middle East and South Asia , with the US supporting Pakistan with aid money and weapons . Initially , the United States-led war on terrorism led to an improvement in the relationship , but it was strained by a divergence of interests and resulting mistrust during the war in Afghanistan and by issues related to terrorism
9/11
September 11 attacks
Pakistan