Pakistan has emerged as one of the most successful countries in managing ties with President Trump in his second term. Trump has developed strong personal chemistry with PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, hosting both multiple times at the White House. Islamabad leveraged praise, relationship-building, and timely cooperation, including the arrest of a 2021 Kabul bomber, to win early goodwill. Pakistan invested in lobbying networks linked to Trump and engaged on crypto, minerals, and strategic sectors aligned with Trump priorities. A major breakthrough came through critical minerals, including a $500m FWO–US Strategic Metals deal and renewed momentum on Reko Diq. Crypto cooperation expanded through the Pakistan Crypto Council and agreements with World Liberty Financial. Trump’s stance toward India has cooled, shaped by tariffs, Russian oil purchases, and recent India-Pakistan crises. Pakistan publicly credited Trump for mediating the May cease-fire, while India denied external facilitation. Despite warmth, major US military or economic assistance remains unlikely, though Washington’s tone toward Pakistan has softened. Pakistan seeks a standalone US relationship that is not filtered through China, India, or Afghanistan.
Pakistan emerged the most successful countries in managing ties with President Trump
