After years of a roller coaster relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan,
the two states now seem to have made a remarkable turnaround in their
diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s impressive speech
praising U.S. leadership and his glowing remarks about Donald Trump
at the Peace Summit in Egypt turned heads both at home and abroad.
However, diplomatic observers have been quick to issue a warning. To
many, this appears to be a relationship driven by mutual interests rather
than genuine diplomacy.
There could be five reasons Pakistan has re-entered Washington’s
good books, at least for now.
1. Geographic Location
Pakistan’s location still remains strategically important. Positioned
between China, India, Iran, and Afghanistan, it is central to any
American strategy in South and Central Asia. For the U.S., this location
is critical not only for regional security but also within the larger
U.S.–China trade rivalry as tensions rise between Washington and
Beijing from tariffs to technology bans and supply-chain competition.
2. Counter Terrorism or Bagram Base?
Even after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Washington continues
to rely on Pakistan’s intelligence to track Taliban movements. Pakistan’s
recent air strikes in Kabul, targeting what it described as anti-Pakistan
militants, may align with a broader U.S. strategy to weaken the Taliban
and potentially help the U.S. gain access to the Bagram Air Base. In
exchange this could even help Pakistan seek investment from the United
States.
3. Economic Leverage
After an economic collapse in 2024, Pakistan is actively seeking foreign
investment. Islamabad’s invitations to American companies in
agriculture, mining, and energy align with Washington’s interest in
countering Chinese economic dominance. The current Pakistan Army
Chief, General Asim Munir, was reportedly seen presenting a box of rare
earth minerals to former U.S. President Donald Trump during a recent
meeting at the White House. It has also been reported that the army
chief offered the U.S. to operate a port and naval base at Pasni on
Arabian Sea, bordering Iran and Afghanistan.
4. Strong Diplomatic Ties in the Muslim World
Pakistan’s involvement in peace dialogues, such as the recent summit in
Egypt, positions it as a valuable ally for the United States in diplomacy
across the Muslim world. Public gestures of cooperation from Islamabad
could help improve Washington’s image among Muslim-majority
nations. Given these developments, it would not be surprising if the
United States were to encourage Pakistan to align more closely with the
Abraham Accords in the coming years, especially considering its
influence and its support for the recent Israel–Gaza ceasefire deal.
5. Indo-Pak Relations
Washington’s renewed warmth toward Pakistan may also serve as
leverage against India. As India continues to purchase discounted
Russian oil despite Western sanctions, the United States could be
signaling that it has alternatives in the region. By strengthening ties with
Pakistan, especially after the recent conflict between the two nations in
May, Washington gains subtle pressure points over India. Maintaining
strong relations with Islamabad allows the U.S. to remind New Delhi
that strategic independence comes with diplomatic consequences.
Note: The views expressed in this piece are my personal analysis. There
could be many other reasons behind the evolving Pakistan–U.S.
relationship. |