ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed of Pakistan recently voiced optimism about Donald Trump’s return to the White House, highlighting that Trump’s “unconventional” approach might signal a positive shift for U.S.-Pakistan relations.
According to the former parliamentarian, Trump is less influenced by the traditional American “security establishment,” which has been perceived as increasingly pro-India.
In his statement, Syed noted that Trump, unlike past leaders, has shown interest in mediating the Kashmir dispute, a significant and unresolved issue in South Asia. He underscored Trump’s outsider status, which could create a diplomatic “breath of fresh air” for Pakistan, as Trump may approach the country on more neutral, security-focused terms.
As I have been correctly predicting for past one year that Trump would win in 2024, his resounding victory is Biggest Comeback in Political History, Major Defeat for American Establishment/‘Deep State’ & Positive for Pakistan & World Peace! Trump is NOT a war-monger nor Cold… pic.twitter.com/krWmOAsOmc
— Mushahid Hussain Sayed (@Mushahid) November 6, 2024
From a broader perspective, Trump’s return is expected to usher in a period of strategic recalibration, with his administration likely to focus on transactional, security-based engagements.
Trump’s stance on regional power dynamics, particularly concerning China, will likely shape the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations. The U.S. sees China’s expanding influence in South Asia as a critical issue, and Pakistan’s deepening economic ties with China, especially through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), may be a focal point for American attention.
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Analysts expect that the U.S. may press Pakistan to reconsider certain aspects of its relationship with China, encouraging Islamabad to diversify its partnerships.
With US Presidential Elections tomorrow, some points to ponder: out of 6 elections in 21st Century, 3 were controversial (2000,2016,2020); elections will be decided by a mere 7 swing states; 72% Americans are dissatisfied with ‘way things are going’ & 62% Americans feel their… pic.twitter.com/1eZKq03gM9
— Mushahid Hussain Sayed (@Mushahid) November 4, 2024
Beyond South Asia, Trump’s hardline stance on Iran could impact Pakistan’s security and counter-terrorism efforts. Pakistan could face additional diplomatic pressure to align more closely with U.S. positions on Middle Eastern security, potentially impacting its neutrality in the region.
Trump’s return signals a cautious but significant shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations. Pakistani experts anticipate that Trump’s policy will largely hinge on security-based engagement, focusing primarily on counter-terrorism, nuclear stability, and strategic regional alignment. As Islamabad seeks to balance its relationships with both Washington and Beijing, the evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia will play a pivotal role in shaping U.S.-Pakistan ties during Trump’s new tenure.
