An influential Republican Congressman, Andy Biggs, hasreintroduced a billin the US House of Representatives seeking to terminate Pakistans designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). The legislation stipulates that the designation should be revoked unless Pakistan demonstrates a commitment to counter the Haqqani Network, a US-designated terrorist organization.

The bill, introduced in every Congress session in January 2019 but is yet to be passed, outlines conditions under which the US President could certify Pakistans MNNA status. These include Pakistan conducting military operations that disrupt the Haqqani Networks safe havens, preventing the group from using Pakistan as a base, and coordinating with the Afghan government to curb militant movements along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Historical Context of MNNA Status

Pakistan was granted MNNA status by President George W. Bush in 2004 during the Afghanistan war, granting the country preferential access to US military aid, training, and equipment. The designation is a strategic partnership status conferred by the US to nations outside NATO, offering benefits such as expedited arms sales and cooperative defense research agreements. However, the status does not include the mutual defense commitments that come with NATO membership.

Afghanistan, also designated as an MNNA in 2012, had its status revoked by President Joe Biden following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Pakistans ongoing association with groups like the Haqqani Network has brought its MNNA status under scrutiny.

The Haqqani Network and US Concerns

The Haqqani Network, founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani during the anti-Soviet resistance in Afghanistan, has a long history of orchestrating deadly attacks on US and NATO forces, Afghan civilians, and foreign embassies. The group, currently led by Jalaluddin son’s and a UN-designated global terrorist. Sirajuddin Haqqani, has deep ties to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. He currently also holds the internationally unrecognised post of Afghanistan’s interior minister.

The US officially designated the Haqqani Network as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2012, citing its involvement in high-profile attacks, including the 2011 assault on the Kabul Intercontinental Hotel and bombings targeting Indian interests in Afghanistan.

US officials, including former Admiral Mike Mullen, have accused Pakistans military and intelligence services of supporting the Haqqani Network. In 2011, Mullen described the group as a “veritable arm” of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Legislative Challenges

Despite being introduced multiple times since 2019, the legislation to revoke Pakistans MNNA status has failed to gain traction in Congress. Critics of Pakistans role in counterterrorism efforts argue that the country’s military operations have not adequately targeted groups like the Haqqani Network, which continue to pose threats to regional stability and US interests.

Revoking Pakistans MNNA status would signal a significant shift in US-Pakistan relations, potentially limiting Islamabads access to US military resources and support. It would also underscore US concerns about Pakistans counterterrorism policies, particularly regarding its relationship with the Taliban and extremist groups operating within its borders.