Pakistan’s Global Standing Rises as Trump Praises Gen Asim Munir, Reshaping US Strategy
Pakistan’s global profile is witnessing a remarkable resurgence as former US President Donald Trump publicly embraced Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir—calling him a “great guy”—and credited him for helping “broker a ceasefire” that prevented a regional disaster. The development, reported by Bloomberg, is being hailed in Islamabad as a major diplomatic victory.
The shift comes at a time when Trump’s once-warm relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply deteriorated. The US administration has recently imposed some of the world’s highest tariffs on Indian goods, signaling a major reset in Washington’s South Asia policy.
US-Pakistan Relations on the Rise
A recent US Congress report noted that Pakistan has re-emerged as a key strategic player.
“A year ago, India was at the center of US strategy to counter China, while Pakistan was largely ignored,” the report said. “Now US-Pakistan relations are strengthening as Trump hits India with high tariffs.”
Trump has repeatedly praised General Asim Munir, elevating him to equal diplomatic standing with Modi in discussions about regional security. “The shift in stance has revived Pakistan as a geopolitical power in the region,” Bloomberg noted.
Internal Debate in Washington
While Trump’s tilt toward Pakistan has delighted Islamabad, it has unsettled policymakers in Washington.
- Kurt Campbell, the former US deputy secretary of state, warned that the collapse of Trump–Modi relations could cause “lasting damage” to US interests.
- Nisha Biswal, former assistant secretary of state, argued that strengthening ties with Pakistan could give Washington “leverage over India,” but insisted both relationships must stand independently.
Munir’s Rising Stature in Pakistan
General Asim Munir has become a national hero in Pakistan following the May confrontation with India. Officials now describe the event as a decisive success.
State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said:
“We defended ourselves and we won. Our diplomatic strategy in a rapidly changing world has been commendable.”
Experts believe the incident has strengthened coordination between Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership, improving policy alignment.
Pakistan Deepens Regional & Global Ties
Islamabad has capitalized on the diplomatic momentum by reconnecting with major partners:
- US tariffs on Pakistani goods have been reduced to 19%, significantly lower than India’s.
- Pakistan recently signed an economic pact with Saudi Arabia, following a mutual defense agreement.
- The US has shown renewed interest in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
US Strategic Metals signed an MoU in September to develop rare-earth resources, following General Munir’s engagement with American investors in Florida.
