Pakistani people’s hopes from the newly elected president of the US, Donald Trump, are complex and multifaceted. During his previous term, Trump’s policies and statements had significant implications for Pakistan, and his reelection has sparked a mix of optimism and uncertainty among Pakistani people. Some people, particularly supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), hope that Trump’s administration will pressure the current Pakistani government to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated. Trump has previously referred to Khan as his “great friend,” which has fueled expectations among PTI supporters.
However, others are more cautious, citing the inconsistencies between Trump’s stated intentions and actions during his previous term. For instance, Trump had promised to secure the release of Dr. Shakeel Afridi, an alleged undercover CIA operative, but failed to deliver on this promise. Pakistanis also hope that Trump’s administration will adopt a more nuanced approach to counterterrorism, recognizing Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. The country has made significant progress in consolidating democratic institutions and combating terrorism, but still faces numerous challenges.
In terms of economic hopes, Pakistanis expect new administration to support the country’s economic development, particularly through investments in infrastructure and energy projects. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a crucial project for Pakistan’s economic sustainability, and Islamabad hopes that Trump’s administration will not undermine this initiative.
Despite these hopes, there are concerns that Trump’s hawkish approach to China, Pakistan’s all-weathered friend, may negatively impact Pakistan’s relations with the United States. Pakistan’s economic dependence on China makes it vulnerable to tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Pakistan-US ties under Donald Trump’s previous Presidency
Pakistan’s relationship with the United States under Donald Trump’s previous tenure was marked by significant challenges and tensions. Trump’s administration adopted a more confrontational approach towards Pakistan, particularly regarding its alleged support for terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
One of the key issues that strained Pakistan-US relations was the US’s accusation that Pakistan was not doing enough to combat terrorism. In 2018, the US suspended its security assistance to Pakistan, citing its failure to take decisive action against terrorist groups. This move was seen as a significant blow to Pakistan’s military and economy.
Despite these tensions, Pakistan and the US continued to cooperate on certain issues, such as counter-terrorism efforts. The US also continued to provide economic assistance to Pakistan, although at a significantly reduced level compared to previous years. Another significant factor that affected Pakistan-US relations under Trump was the US’s growing closeness with India. The US and India strengthened their strategic partnership, with the US designating India as a “Major Defense Partner” in 2016. This move was seen as a significant shift in the US’s South Asia policy, with implications for Pakistan’s regional security.
Pakistan’s relationship with China also played a crucial role in shaping its relations with the US. Pakistan’s growing economic and strategic ties with China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), were viewed with suspicion by the US. The US saw CPEC as a part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which it viewed as a challenge to its own economic and strategic interests in the region.
In terms of economic relations, Pakistan-US trade declined significantly under Trump’s presidency. The US imposed tariffs on Pakistani goods, and Pakistan retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods. The decline in trade was also due to the US’s growing trade tensions with China, which affected Pakistan’s exports to the US.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan and the US continued to engage with each other on various issues. The US continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Pakistan, particularly in the areas of health and education. The two countries also cooperated on regional issues, such as Afghanistan and counter-terrorism.
Pakistan’s relations with the US under Trump’s presidency were marked by significant tensions and challenges. The US’s confrontational approach towards Pakistan, its growing closeness with India, and its suspicions about Pakistan’s relations with China all contributed to a decline in Pakistan-US relations. However, despite these challenges, the two countries continued to engage with each other on various issues, and there were areas of cooperation, such as counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance.
Although, Pakistan’s ties during the previous tenure were complex and multifaceted, with both areas of tension and cooperation, people of Pakistan are hoping that areas of biletral cooperation, especially related to counter-terrorism efforts, humanitarian assistance, resolving regional tensions with Afghanistan as well as economic support would be strenthenged under the Trump regime.