ISLAMABAD: Retired US Brigadier and author, General Mark Kimmitt, has said Pakistan now has an opportunity to strengthen its strategic ties with the United States, noting that Washington’s confidence in the South Asian country grew after the May war with India.
In an exclusive interview with Pakistan’s ARY News channel, Kimmitt, who wrote a recent article in The Washington Times titled “Trump’s Surprising Policy Turn on Pakistan: Washington’s India-First Era Has Ended,” stated that the American confidence in Pakistan started growing after the May conflict.
He also commended US President Donald Trump for playing a key role in preventing the situation from escalating into a wider war.
“Maintaining and improving relations is essential,” he said, noting that Trump and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir always kept key considerations in mind.
Mark Kimmitt emphasised that as the United States shifts its strategic focus toward the Pacific region, Pakistan stands to gain from renewed and strengthened engagement with Washington.
“I believe the Pakistan-US relationship will remain durable,” he said.
He further noted that Pakistan has expressed willingness to make concessions in specific areas, while also remaining prepared to assert its own interests when required.
The retired general also stressed that military-to-military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has traditionally stayed robust, even during periods when political challenges created temporary strains in the relationship.
“All countries face challenges in intelligence-sharing, but Pakistan-US collaboration is expected to grow stronger and broader,” he said.
US-Pakistan concerns related to India
Kimmitt also pointed out that both countries continue to share concerns related to India, highlighting the need for ongoing strategic dialogue.
He clarified that although President Trump’s personal approach can shape decisions, major policies are ultimately handled through established administrative channels.
The general’s comments signal a possible turning point in US-Pakistan relations, opening the door for renewed collaboration in defence, intelligence, and broader strategic areas.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that seven aircraft were downed during the short military escalation between Pakistan and India in May.
The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
Pakistan also offered a neutral and transparent international investigation into the incident; however, India failed to respond to Islamabad’s offer and continued with its aggressive posture, jeopardising regional peace and security.
The four-day war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours began after India conducted missile strikes inside Pakistani territory, resulting in the deaths of multiple civilians and security personnel.
Pakistan gave a swift, strong and decisive response to India. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down seven Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and successfully neutralised an S-400 air-defence system.
The conflict ended on May 10 when both countries agreed to a ceasefire mediated by the United States.
