Pakistan's major concern is to avoid a fourth war with India over Kashmir. Pakistan supports the idea of a plebiscite for the largely Muslim Kashmiris, to decide whether they wish to be ruled by Islamabad or Delhi. India, which fears losing, opposes it. War nearly broke out over this issue once more in 1990.
The USA regards the region as a potential nuclear flashpoint. However, the Pakistani government has always denied the possession of nuclear weapons and has resisted external pressure on this point. The USA has in the past cut aid in an attempt to influence the Pakistani government. Yet, fears of Islamic fundamentalists gaining ground in Pakistan have recently led Washington to tone down its threats. In future it is more likely to support the current secular, and essentially pro-US, regime.
