Pakistan faces challenges under Donald Trump’s second presidency, as internal evaluations indicate potential difficulties in US-Pakistan relations, sources informed The Express Tribune on Sunday.
The assessment reflects concerns over Trump’s priorities and several cabinet members’ negative views of Islamabad. Richard Grenell, Trump’s special envoy known for his critical remarks about Pakistan, is particularly noteworthy.
Additionally, the sources noted that other influential figures in the administration warrant attention. A reliable source stated, “There are no more White House insiders sympathetic towards Pakistan.”
The Pakistani mission in Washington is finding it hard to navigate US political circles, as Islamabad’s significance to the US seems to have diminished. Despite outgoing US Ambassador Donald Blome’s optimistic depiction of ties during President Biden’s tenure, the mission faced restricted access to the previous administration.
This is evident from the absence of direct communication between President Biden and any Pakistani prime ministers throughout his term and the lack of high-level US visits to Pakistan. Despite frequent trips to the region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has notably bypassed Islamabad.
In the final weeks of Biden’s presidency, a senior aide controversially labelled Pakistan’s long-range missile program a threat to the US. Islamabad firmly denied this, emphasizing that its missile program targets only India.
Read: U.S. Imposes Additional Sanctions on Entities Linked to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program
A Washington-based think tank member suggested that the US deputy national security adviser’s statement was consistent with the prevailing skepticism about Pakistan within US policy circles. He speculated that US grievances could stem from Pakistan’s actions during the war on terror, which, according to him, occasionally compromised US interests.
While the Biden administration maintained a functional relationship with Pakistan, helping to facilitate IMF bailouts, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration might not be as cooperative.
Saudi Arabia, maintaining close ties with Trump, emerges as a potential ally for Pakistan, with sources indicating that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman might play a crucial role should the US adopt a more hostile stance.
