Dr Bilawal Kamran

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan recently garnered unexpected praise from U.S. President Donald Trump during his address to Congress. For a country long relegated to the sidelines of American foreign policy, this unexpected commendation stirred considerable excitement in Islamabad. The praise came as Trump, addressing Congress for the first time since taking office, lauded Pakistan for helping to capture the alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, an attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. soldiers and over 170 Afghan citizens.

“I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” Trump said during his speech, referring to the individual believed to be responsible for the horrific bombing. The comment quickly sparked positive reactions across Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing gratitude for Trump’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s efforts. The Prime Minister also reminded the U.S. of Pakistan’s essential role in counterterrorism, emphasizing the country’s efforts to prevent terrorists from finding safe havens within its borders.

Pakistan’s media and political commentators eagerly seized on this development, interpreting it as a possible thaw in the historically frosty relationship between Washington and Islamabad. Many saw it as a sign that the diplomatic ice between the two nations might finally be breaking. On the other hand, the opposition in Pakistan may have been left disappointed, as they had been hoping for Trump’s endorsement of their own political agenda.

Despite the excitement, however, it is crucial to exercise caution and not get swept up in the euphoria too quickly. While the praise from Trump was certainly a positive moment, it is important to consider the broader context. Trump’s words may have been less about a genuine shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations and more about scoring political points against his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Trump administration has been highly critical of Biden’s handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was widely regarded as chaotic and poorly executed. By highlighting Pakistan’s role in arresting a key figure linked to that tumultuous period, Trump may have been attempting to present himself as the stronger leader in contrast to Biden’s perceived weaknesses.

Furthermore, Trump’s actions often reveal his transactional nature. As a businessman turned politician, Trump is notorious for seeking to maximize his advantages in every situation. It would, therefore, be naïve to assume that a single arrest would dramatically alter the complex diplomatic relationship between Washington and Islamabad. The praise might have been a tactical move, but it is unlikely to signal a fundamental change in U.S. foreign policy toward Pakistan.

Indeed, reports from Reuters suggest that Pakistan may soon face further complications in its relationship with the U.S. In the coming days, Pakistan could be included in a list of countries facing U.S. visa restrictions due to security and vetting concerns. According to sources familiar with the matter, Pakistan is being considered alongside Afghanistan for such restrictions, which would likely worsen the already strained ties between the two nations.

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This development underscores the fact that while isolated instances of praise may generate temporary goodwill, they do not necessarily lead to long-term improvements in diplomatic relations. Trump’s praise for Pakistan could ultimately be more about political maneuvering than a genuine commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. It is also important to acknowledge that the U.S. government, regardless of the administration, operates based on strategic interests and security concerns, rather than personal gestures of goodwill.

In light of these realities, Pakistani leadership should approach these moments of praise with caution. Rather than focusing on seeking validation from external powers like the United States, Pakistan should concentrate on solving its domestic challenges and fostering a more self-reliant foreign policy. The constant pursuit of approval from powerful nations can often lead to misplaced priorities and dependencies. Pakistan’s internal issues—ranging from economic instability to security concerns—are matters that the country must address independently, without relying on the whims of foreign powers.

Moreover, Pakistan’s relationship with the U.S. should not be viewed through the lens of short-term political gestures but rather in terms of long-term strategic interests. While cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, as exemplified by the arrest of the Kabul bomber, is undoubtedly important, it should not be the sole focus of bilateral relations. A more balanced approach, one that takes into account both Pakistan’s security concerns and the broader geopolitical dynamics, is necessary for sustaining a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S.

In conclusion, while the recent praise from President Trump was a pleasant surprise for Pakistan, it is crucial to maintain a sense of realism about what it means for the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations. Rather than interpreting this isolated incident as a signal of a lasting shift in Washington’s stance, Pakistan’s leaders must remain grounded in the understanding that the U.S. foreign policy towards Pakistan is ultimately driven by strategic and security concerns. With the possibility of visa restrictions looming and the continuing challenges of navigating an often unpredictable global political landscape, Pakistan must focus on solving its own internal problems and charting an independent course in its foreign policy.

The recent commendation, while certainly a positive moment, should not overshadow the fact that Pakistan’s relationship with the U.S. will remain complex and subject to the shifting tides of international politics. The key for Pakistan’s leadership moving forward will be to avoid overplaying these moments of praise and instead focus on ensuring that the country is prepared to navigate the broader geopolitical challenges that lie ahead.