THE US and Pakistan relations appears to be achieving an unprecedented degree of mutual understanding and cooperation.
The recent shift in the geopolitical landscape following the historic win in operation Bunyan Al Marsoos, Washington and Islamabad are in tandem and synchronized with renewed alignment on critical issues, symbolizing a potential golden period in bilateral relations. Ever since, the inauguration of President Donald Trump diplomatic ties have been deliberately enhanced and with the recent tariff announcement seems to be manifesting into a comprehensive bilateral entente. The policy makers of Pakistan having been making all the right moves which has been acknowledged by the President. From appreciating Islamabad’s counterterrorism efforts in the arrest and handing over of IS Khorasan operative to accepting ceasefire without hesitation when offered by President Donald Trump which has been affirmed by the President in various public engagements and high level exchanges.
Moreover, the nomination of POTUS for the Nobel prize award and the high level meeting between Field Marshal Asim Munir and the President defying all protocols- appears to be a renaissance in the ties. This turning of tide has culminated into significant discount in tariff negotiations, with Pakistan having the lowest tariffs in South Asia with 19% while the arch rival has been slapped with 50% tariffs with looming threat of an increase. This as highlighted would have a significant impact in boosting Pakistan’s export to US which is a tried and tested market with $6 billion of $32 billion in going last year.
Not only that, but Pakistan has entered a new phase of economic partnership with the US after a trade deal especially in energy, mines and minerals, IT, cryptocurrency and other sectors. Therefore it is expected that an increased US investment in infrastructure and development projects in on the horizon, thereby the country seems to be en route towards diversifying economic ties. Pakistan has aligned itself with President Trump’s pro crypto stance, paired with the rare earth and mineral reserves, the country poses the potential to shape itself as strategic Bitcoin reserve, leading to enhanced crypto cooperation between the two nations.
Moreover, as announced by President Trump both countries would jointly coordinate for the development of Pakistan’s massive oil reserves. Despite popular narrative, research has shown Pakistan’s proven recoverable conventional crude oil reserves range from 234 million to 353 million barrels. This positions the nation as around 50th in the world in terms of oil reserves.Attaining this milestone would establish a definitive roadmap for Pakistan to emerge as a resilient economic nation in the near future underpinned by a foundation of sustainable energy. This coupled with the statement that Pakistan might eventually sell its oil is full of strategic symbolism, showcasing the strategic geopolitical repositioning of Pakistan as a major stakeholder.
This renewed economic partnership goes beyond mere commercial logic and seems to be rooted in strategic economic reorientation. It seems while China’a sources claim Pakistan might not be the top priority, Pakistan has diversified its economic alliances with US and the Gulf. This not only provides Pakistan with economic interdependence but also offers China to rethink its approach. Despite this it cannot be ignored that China is a major ally of Pakistan, possibly the biggest ally. This is the reason
The trade agreement and expected US investment is bad omen for India and its proxies. The tide is turning and the first decisive blow has been struck with US designating BLA and its alias Majeed Bridage as Terrorist organization, thereby it seems the net is closing on the anti state actors and their foreign sponsors, leaving them with dwindling options. This along with revival of broader security cooperation springboards Pakistan into the global counterterrorism framework.
While Pakistan has proven itself by dealing with threats, efforts which have been lauded by the US and the world. In return, United States have displayed renewed interest in security assistance and intelligence sharing, thereby rejuvenating Pakistan’s image as a trusted ally against terrorism rather than a problematic partner. This effectively dismantles Indian propaganda campaign to falsely designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The strategic reawakening of Pakistan US relations is grounded in shared interests especially in regional stability, security, counter terrorism, economic collaboration. Pakistan, spearheaded by the diplomacy of Field Marshal Asim Munir, have once again reasserted itself on the global level and this move could possibly redefine the country’s trajectory in the region and beyond.
Pakistan is rewriting its own story, one of regional leadership, diplomacy and economic cooperation and with the recent visit of Field Marshal Asim Munir to United States to attend the change of command at CENTCOM and possible visit of Secretary State Marco Rubio in the near future, it’s clear that Pakistan has reinvigorated its position on the world stage
Moreover, the recent 686 million defense package offered to Islamabad will modernize the current F16 fleet. This not only ensures effective operational performance for another decade through modernization of critical system, inclusion of link 16, extension of service life, improving real time date sharing and communications thereby further strengthening PAFs ability of electronic warfare.
— The writer is Executive Director, the Centre for Knowledge and Public Policy, Lahore.
