The United States has played an important role in the young history of Pakistan , being one of the first countries to recognize their independence on 14 August 1947 . The relationship between the two countries went through varying levels of friendliness , but Pakistan consistently found themselves on the United States side of issues faced during the Cold War . Pakistan served as a geostrategic position for United States military bases during the Cold War since it bordered the Soviet Union and China . These positive relations would fall apart following successful cooperation in fighting the Soviet Union 's influence in Central Asia and the subsequent fall of the Soviet Union . ln reaction to Pakistan 's new nuclear capacity , the United States would pass the Pressler Amendment approving sanctions against Pakistan , but relations would restrengthen following 9/11 with Pakistan 's warm response following the tragedy . Aid would be given to Pakistan for the first time again in 2002 , and the 2000s saw an extension of this friendly relationship
9/11
September 11 attacks
Foreign relations of Pakistan