Trump Policy Challenge
Trump Policy Challenge: Pakistan has benefited from US President Trump’s policies in West and South Asia. However, it is unclear how long Pakistan can stay relevant. The country must decide whether to make smart moves or just follow Trump’s wave.
Post-Trump Challenges
The world is reacting to the challenges Trump created. A key question is what will happen after Trump leaves office. Will the US continue his policies, or will it change direction? European countries may renegotiate their economic and political ties with the US. Canada, India, and Japan are likely to act cautiously. China will focus on protecting and strengthening its gains under Trump.
Pakistan’s Dilemma
Pakistan’s position is uncertain. Will it return to the pre-Trump era when its diplomacy was weaker? Europe’s growing trade with India shows it is adjusting its focus in Asia. China remains a reliable economic partner, even with political and economic challenges. Pakistan cannot match China or India in trade or global influence. Its trade is limited and cannot meet international expectations.
Pakistan tries to balance relations with China while staying relevant to the US. It depends on China for strategy and economics but does not want to lose influence with the US.
Defense Partnerships
Trump publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the war on terror. This gave Pakistan diplomatic credibility. Trump engaged with Pakistan and supported its participation in the Board of Peace. Pakistan expanded defense ties with West Asian and African countries. These deals are worth billions over several years. Their success depends on regional stability and political alignment.
Selective Alignment
A new strategic setup has emerged. Pakistan is a key defense ally along with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Other partners include Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Sudan. Even Libya has been part of outreach. High-level military talks continue to expand. Pakistan’s diplomacy is shifting from reactive to selective strategic alignment. It is unclear if this will give Pakistan long-term influence.
Iran Policy
This arrangement seems approved by Trump, making Pakistan appear as a key US ally in West Asia. This is sensitive because of the Gaza peace plan and rising tensions with Iran. Pakistan avoids aligning against Israel. Domestic politics and its stance on Iran guide this choice. Pakistan does not support military aggression but also cannot fully act as Iran’s partner in a crisis.
Inside Pakistan, the government has managed potential opposition to its West Asia policy. It has handled religious groups carefully. Other domestic resistance remains but mostly affects local politics, not international relations.
India’s Advantage
India, by contrast, faced US challenges like tariffs and negotiations but recovered strategically. India engaged with countries affected by Trump’s policies without major compromises. It strengthened ties with the EU while keeping good relations with Russia and China.
Pakistan, as a medium-sized country with a weak economy and political instability, has limited options. By aligning closely with Trump-backed defense policies, it risks weakening ties with China. This may become Pakistan’s biggest challenge after Trump leaves office. The post-Trump era will test Pakistan’s diplomacy and leadership. Pakistan must restore trust with China unless it balances ties with the US carefully.
Neighborhood Strategy
For now, Pakistan may gain short-term diplomatic visibility. But without new strategic options, its influence will shrink. Eventually, it may have little choice but to follow US- and Saudi-led policies in West Asia. Sensitive issues include Israel and Iran.
This shift could happen sooner, depending on Trump’s actions against Iran and the progress of the Board of Peace initiative. Pakistan may need a detailed plan. This plan could include a neighborhood policy to reduce regional tensions and protect long-term economic and strategic interests.
Published in Dawn,1st February 2026
