One glaring problem with the US' strategy is that it assumes that weakening Pakistan will generate buy-in and support from the
right actors. It won't.
To facilitate an economically and militarily weak Pakistan, you require people who would approve of Nawaz Sharif, Zardari, etc. So, do tell, what kind of folks do you imagine you have if they're greenlighting Nawaz and Zardari?
Definitely not the ones who are best equipped to deal with non-state actors, that's for sure.
The reality that the US (and India) can't accept is that the best ones to deal with non-state actors are the ones who likely want Pakistan to rival India. You think someone with the mindset of
@SQ8, for example, is going to cave to New Delhi or Kabul? Of course not. But it's not in the nature of a competent person to be capable for one end (e.g., militants), and a total duck for others -- they're going to be consistent.
The US can't have it both ways.
The US can't have a hand in bringing weak morons to the front, and then complain about Pakistan 'not doing more' or whatever. It can solve this problem by championing the right actors, and it's foregoing the chance as we speak.
It could have helped Imran Khan and PTI out with more favourable economic help (which in turn helps PTI build support within the society and establishment). It could have made IK/PTI seem like a bigger deal by spotlighting them internationally, yet all we saw was snub after snub.
It's a shame we in Pakistan don't have a brave voice to call it for it is, but that circles back to the original problem, the ones in charge are weak and inept actors, who themselves came as a result of US interests. And then the US doesn't want to champion or support the right actors.