In the context of geopolitics, "11 Sep in Pakistan" refers to the profound and transformative impact of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States on Pakistan's domestic and foreign policy. The date marks a pivotal turning point where Pakistan, under the military government of General Pervez Musharraf, executed a major strategic realignment. It abandoned its long-standing support for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and aligned itself with the United States as a key partner in the newly declared "Global War on Terror."
This policy shift was driven by immense international pressure, notably from the U.S. administration, which presented a stark choice between cooperation and isolation. Consequently, Pakistan became a frontline state, providing logistical, intelligence, and military support for U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan. This decision, however, triggered significant domestic blowback. It fueled anti-American sentiment, radicalized segments of the populace, and led to the proliferation of militant groups within Pakistan's borders, including the formation of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The country subsequently experienced an unprecedented wave of terrorism, sectarian violence, and a protracted insurgency, particularly in its tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, leading to immense human and economic costs.
The legacy of this period is complex and enduring. While the alliance brought significant U.S. financial aid and designated Pakistan a "Major non-NATO ally," it also locked the country into a long-term, low-intensity conflict that destabilized its internal security apparatus and society. The events initiated on September 11, 2001, fundamentally reshaped Pakistan's national security doctrine, its relationship with the United Statesoften characterized by mutual mistrustand its ongoing struggle with domestic extremism, the effects of which continue to influence its political and social landscape.
