Training suspension of Pakistan military. United States government’s International Military Education and Training programme (IMET) will stop taking Pakistan military for training and education. President Donald Trump’s administration is keen to cut training and education programme for the Pakistani officer. It has been a hallmark of the bilateral military relation between 2 countries for more than a decade. Mr Trump decision was intensive to tackle the Islamic militants by cutting security assistance to Pakistan.

Key Aspects

Pentagon and Pakistan military did not criticise this move openly but both countries official privately criticise it. U.S. officials worried because the decision undermines the key trust-building measure. Also, this decision will obviously push the Pakistani military to look at leadership training from either China or Russia. The suspension of Pakistani officers from the IMET programme in the U.S. will leave 66 seats vacant in different military colleges. The vacant place will either given to officers from other countries rather than Pakistan or remain unfilled.

Dan Feldman, a former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan was very disappointed with the Trump’s decision. He called this move very short-sighted and will leave a negative impact. Also, it will limit the scope for any future bilateral military relationship with Pakistan. So, Training suspension of Pakistan military will lead the disappointment.

The IMET cancellations will generate the surplus of $2.41 million said the State Department spokesperson and adding, it will affect at least two other programmes. Yet, it is unclear what type of military cooperation will remain after this decision. Most importantly, U.S. military argued that ties built by bringing foreign military offices to the U.S. pay long-term dividends.

Various U.S Based Colleges

The U.S. Army’s War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania have appointed two Pakistani military officers every year is now relinquishing. 37 participants from Pakistan have been hosted so far by the War College, the U.S. Army’s premier school. Pakistan is now removed from several U.S. college-based programme such as cybersecurity studies. So, Training suspension of Pakistan military needs more focus upon.