Trump as a leader

Donald Trump, on the first day of his presidency, has proved himself a truly amazing leader with a clear strategy to achieve his goals. With a firm determination to make America great again, he has signed many executive orders, hinting at a clear glimpse of the future policies of the superpower.

Some analysts say that Pakistan is no longer in the list of US priorities. During the tenure of former US president Joe Biden, bilateral relations reached such a cold end that Biden did not even consider it necessary to have a telephonic conversation with any Pakistani leader and during his four-year term, no senior official, including the US secretary of state, bothered to visit Pakistan.

Similarly, Pakistan is nowhere to be seen in Trump’s election agenda. People in Pakistan are therefore worried about what the return of Donald Trump to the White House has meant for Pakistan. Based on some undeniable historical facts, I have thought that Pakistan has been a natural ally of the US since day one and that both countries are inseparable in the diplomatic field. Apparently, in recent years, Pakistan’s significance in the eyes of the US has not been the same as that of a close ally in the past.

In my view, if Trump’s focus in his second term would not be directly on Pakistan, then it will definitely be on China, Iran and Afghanistan, and the effects of any unusual situation across our borders will inevitably affect us. Trump has in the past also talked about the release of American spy Shakeel Afridi imprisoned in Pakistan. However, Trump has also in the past expressed his desire to meditate on the Kashmir issue during a friendly meeting with the then-prime minister of Pakistan.

Reportedly, Pakistani citizens will also be affected in a crackdown against illegal immigrants. However, the government of Pakistan should welcome this step to facilitate those who seek legal ways to enter the US. All kinds of attempts for illegal immigration and political asylum should be discouraged at our end. Similarly, the US is the biggest trade partner of Pakistan, especially for textiles, and therefore, Trump should also be supported to move his trade agenda forward.

I believe that Trump’s presence in the White House will prevent wars, a clear example of which is the successful end to the bloodshed in Gaza that has been going on for fifteen months. Now, the people of Ukraine are looking towards him to bring peace to their land. Trump’s invitation to the Chinese president to attend the inauguration ceremony is also a very meaningful and unconventional move for world peace.

Iran has adopted an anti-American approach for decades but is now no longer in a position to play any role in the Middle Eastern region. If Trump succeeds in establishing cordial ties with Iran’s allies, China and Russia, it will become increasingly tough for Iran to continue its resistance.

Such circumstances demand Pakistan to act with great caution and foresight. An enemy’s enemy is definitely a friend, but it is not wise to make someone an enemy to please a friend. Today, we have to say goodbye to our past stereotypical foreign policy, adopt a realistic approach, and understand the dire need for balanced relations in the field of diplomacy.

In my view, Americans are well aware of Pakistan’s importance due to its geo-strategic position and contributions to maintaining world peace in the past. However, the rapidly changing situation demands that instead of following a wait-and-see policy, we must welcome Trump as the 47th president of the United States of America, and align ourselves with his vision of peace.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani