Asif Mahmood
The recent high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff signifies a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Occurring in the immediate aftermath of the Pakistan–India military standoff in May, the dialogue underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability. Pakistan’s response during the crisis was guided by rationality and adherence to international legal principles, in contrast to India’s provocations, which appeared reckless and dismissive of global norms.
Beyond traditional security concerns, the discussions addressed a broad array of topics including trade, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, economic cooperation, and the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict. This shift reflects Pakistan’s strategic pivot from a geo-strategic to a geo-economic orientation, signaling a preference for sustainable development through trade and investment rather than reliance on foreign aid.
Pakistan increasingly positions itself as a stabilizing force in South Asia and a key player in West Asia. It advocates peaceful coexistence and regional integration, grounded in mutual respect and sovereignty. With the United States, Pakistan seeks a relationship premised on mutual economic cooperation—especially in sectors like energy, minerals, and agriculture. As America’s largest export destination in the Muslim world, Pakistan’s growing trade profile attests to the enduring quality of its goods and services.
U.S. concerns regarding tariffs and market access can be resolved through mutual consultations, and Pakistan values Washington’s influence within multilateral financial institutions. Notably, Pakistan does not perceive its external engagements—including its cooperation with China—as a zero-sum game or a challenge to U.S. interests. Initiatives like the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are intended to enhance Pakistan’s socio-economic development, not to undermine other global partnerships.
The potential for U.S. investment in Pakistan remains robust. Sectors such as tourism, coastal development, IT, cybersecurity, agriculture, and the blue economy offer attractive opportunities. However, U.S. foreign policy must recognize Pakistan on its own merit rather than viewing it through the prism of India, China, or Afghanistan.
A significant concern for Pakistan is India’s destabilizing role in the region. Indian sponsorship of terrorism and its hegemonic posture threaten regional equilibrium. In this context, President Trump’s offer to mediate the Kashmir conflict is welcomed. Furthermore, U.S. support for India has unintentionally upset the strategic balance, emboldening Indian adventurism. The recent escalation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile security environment in South Asia.
Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is India-centric and not aimed at any other state. Previous Pakistani proposals for a strategic restraint regime have been rejected by India, despite Islamabad’s willingness to engage in equitable arms control measures.
Pakistan remains a reliable and responsible partner, with significant geostrategic relevance and emerging geoeconomic potential, deserving of a balanced, independent relationship with the United States.