Ties with the US

Post the victory of Donald Trump the Pakistan-US relations will assume a new shape as previously the agenda of war on terror was being dealt with by the Democrats. It will also be a new experience for Trump who presented himself as anti-Muslim and anti-immigrants. He succeeded in convincing Americans that much of their woes and fears greatly owe to Muslim extremists and immigrants. He projected himself as a saviour of American’s interests and squarely cashed on in this popular sentiment.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, Washington looks Islamabad through the prism of Afghanistan and India. No doubt, Trump is tilted towards India but Pakistan has its own peculiar strategic importance for the US. There is no denying the fact that it is not individuals and personalities that matter in Western countries but institutions, policies, issues and interests. Pakistan’s geopolitical significance cannot be ignored by the US think tanks. Pakistan is the sole nuclear power in the entire Muslim world which adds to its military might. Pakistan has been the frontline ally of the US on war-on-terror. In the same way, the Sino-Pak ties are above board and need no clarification. The CPEC is a glaring proof of the growing Pak-China relations. Undoubtedly, the CPEC will be instrumental in establishing and increasing Chinese influence in the region. Without the involvement of Pakistan, the peace process in Afghanistan will prove a wall of sand owing to Islamabad’s deep penetration and long-term interests in the war-torn country. So we should be optimistic that there will not be an abrupt reversal in the US approach towards Pakistan.

Muhammad Fayyaz

Mianwali