In a striking turn of geopolitical tides, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is emerging as the architect of a new U.S.-Pakistan relationship.
According to an article published in The Economist on 03 August, Munir’s private meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on June 18 has marked a clear pivot in Washington’s South Asia strategy.
The high-profile meeting came just weeks after a brief military flare-up between Pakistan and India, during which Munir’s swift and calculated response won domestic approval and reignited global attention toward Pakistan’s strategic relevance. Now, that momentum appears to be translating into tangible shifts in foreign policy.
At a press briefing in late July, Trump stunned observers by branding India a “dead economy” and announcing a 25% tariff hike on Indian goods. In stark contrast, he hailed a “revitalized economic partnership” with Pakistan, revealing a new trade deal that imposes just a 19% tariff on Pakistani imports—a rare concession.
According to The Economist, Washington is working to restore key pillars of the bilateral relationship, including trade, arms deals, and counter-terrorism cooperation. The report noted that Trump’s inner circle has expressed interest in Pakistan’s burgeoning crypto and mineral mining sectors, signaling deepening economic ties.
Analysts say Munir’s approach—balancing relations with China and Gulf states while re-engaging with Washington—demonstrates a pragmatic, multipolar diplomacy. “Pakistan is no longer willing to be a pawn—it’s positioning itself as a player,” one senior Western diplomat told The Economist.
With his international profile rising and Pakistan returning to global headlines for strategic reasons, Field Marshal Asim Munir is not only reshaping Pakistan’s foreign policy but also redefining the country’s role in a volatile region.
