Methodology

What the map covers

The Issue Map follows places and questions where the policies and power of the United States meet Pakistan's interests or the US–Pakistan relationship. Some are on Pakistan's borders; others, such as Gulf security, great-power competition or the work of international lenders, are far away but shape Pakistan's economy, security and diplomacy. Each issue has one marker, placed at its centre of gravity: the place where it is felt most, or the institution where it is decided.

How issues are chosen

The Center for US-Pakistan Affairs adds an issue when it has a continuing, material effect on Pakistan or on its relations with the United States, and when there is enough reliable public reporting to follow it. Issues are reviewed by CUPA's editors before they are published, and retired when they no longer meet these tests.

Status

• Worsening: the situation has deteriorated over recent months, for example through escalating violence, a breakdown in talks or new economic strain.
• Unchanging: no significant change in either direction.
• Improving: tensions have eased or cooperation has advanced in a meaningful way.
• Developing: a new or fast-moving issue whose direction is not yet clear, or one being assessed.

Impact on US–Pakistan ties

• Critical: shapes the overall relationship; a major change would alter how Washington and Islamabad deal with each other.
• Significant: an important strand of the relationship, or a strong influence on Pakistan's interests that US policy can affect.
• Limited: worth following, but with a modest direct effect on the relationship.

How often it is updated

Issues are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant development. Each issue page shows the date it was last updated, and its latest updates cite their sources.

Maps and disputed territories

Map data: Natural Earth (public domain), using its edition that follows Pakistan's official boundaries. Jammu and Kashmir is shown as disputed territory, hatched, with the Line of Control as a dashed line: its final status is to be decided in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Junagadh and Manavadar are also shown as disputed. Country names and boundaries follow the same source and are not an endorsement of any claim beyond Pakistan's stated position.