By Uzma Ehtasham
As Donald Trump prepares to assume office once again, his administration is set to present him with a fresh agenda covering key issues: the end of the Ukraine war, immigration crackdowns, tax reforms, bureaucratic changes, further support for Israel, and new approaches to international relations. A quick scan of these files might see Trump dismissing them impatiently before demanding, “Get Islamabad on the line.” For many in Pakistan, this American election carried exceptional significance, as Trump’s win appears to mark a broader shift, one anticipated and celebrated by segments of Pakistan’s political landscape, especially those connected to Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). For Pakistan’s ruling elite, including members of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Trump’s return has already prompted quiet adjustments. Tweets critical of Trump have been hastily deleted, with his choice of campaign slogans—cryptically featuring the numbers 45 and 47, alluding to his presidency as the 45th president and potentially the 47th—seemingly a reminder of the unpredictability he brings to foreign policy.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to the Pakistani-American community that, if elected, he would advocate for the release of PTI’s detained leader. The U.S. Congress had already passed a resolution for Khan’s release under Biden’s administration, which failed to act on it. Now, with influential Pakistanis close to Trump’s circle, whispers of potential senior government positions could be on the horizon, possibly translating into renewed American interest in Khan’s release. With PTI’s leader offering Trump congratulations on his victory, it’s anticipated that U.S. pressure on Pakistan might grow, especially around human rights, peace, and democracy. Trump’s “America First” policies are expected to focus heavily on domestic economic protectionism, energy independence, and a hardline stance on immigration, alongside a priority on strategic power dynamics with China. For Washington’s allies and rivals alike, this could mean significant recalibration. Trump’s victory signals a likely reshaping of U.S. foreign policy, one that will test longstanding alliances such as NATO and perhaps push for transactional relationships in place of multilateral agreements.
It could also mean a reinvigorated push to end the Russia-Ukraine war and renewed, though turbulent, efforts in Middle Eastern peace-building, especially regarding Israel and Palestine. For countries like Pakistan, Trump’s return introduces a blend of potential opportunity and complexity. Pakistan could face pressure to align with a U.S. stance that may involve limited engagement in South Asian regional disputes while focusing instead on countering China’s influence. Trump’s approach to Pakistan during his previous tenure was contentious; he criticized Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and temporarily suspended military aid, a policy that only softened after the peace process with the Afghan Taliban. In his new term, Trump may wield his influence to pressure Pakistan further, especially on issues tied to Khan’s release and transborder militancy.
Trump has consistently advocated for reducing America’s military entanglements, aiming to conclude long-standing conflicts. This time, his presidency could reset U.S.-Pakistan relations, prioritizing direct military ties and possibly drawing on Pakistan’s historic role in the Afghan peace talks. Should Khan be released, Trump’s administration might seek closer cooperation on regional security matters, though Pakistan will need to walk a fine line amid heightened U.S.-China tensions, which Trump is likely to intensify, even as he adopts a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. Trump’s insistence on America’s supremacy in trade and technology under his previous administration saw U.S.-China relations hit a low. It’s anticipated he will continue his hardline stance against Beijing, with implications for Pakistan’s close economic ties with China, notably the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Washington may pressure Islamabad to reconsider its participation in Chinese economic initiatives, potentially straining Pakistan’s diplomatic balance between its foremost economic partner, China, and its strategic ties with the U.S.
As Pakistan navigates these turbulent waters, it must carefully assess its strategic goals. The stakes in this shifting geopolitical landscape are high; Washington’s policy shifts could shape Pakistan’s national and foreign agendas for years to come. Pakistan’s foreign policy hinges on maintaining balanced relationships with global powers like the U.S. and China, safeguarding regional stability, and securing economic growth. Trump’s return poses a formidable challenge to this balance, potentially putting Pakistan at odds with China—a scenario that could have deep repercussions on its economy and defense. In this landscape, Pakistan finds itself in urgent need of strong leadership to maneuver these pressures, especially as the challenges posed by Trump’s re-election ripple across its geopolitical standing and alliances. The balancing act is delicate, but in this era of transactional diplomacy, Pakistan’s leaders must proceed with both caution and clarity.
(The writer is a public health professional and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
