Khurram Khan
Pakistan’s relative international isolation had already been cast aside after the breakthrough luncheon meeting of Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan in June 2025 with President Trump in the White House. Thereafter, Pakistan figured prominently in the US foreign policy and as a key partner in the counterterrorism and economic field particularly the extraction of rare earth metals. In consequence Pakistan was treated kindly by the IMF and the World Bank.
Nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize by Pakistan manifested the deepening relations with the USA. President Trump heaped praise for civilian and military leadership on a number of occasions. Pakistan was also successful in maintaining its close and strategic ties with China and friendly ties with Russia. The Middle Eastern countries have traditionally fostered close relationships with Pakistan.
The euphoria over Pakistan’s newfound relevance in world politics in the wake of hosting talks between warring US and Iran in Islamabad perhaps does not reflect the reality. Indeed, Pakistan’s initiative has enhanced its soft power as a peace broker and built its public image. Its ability to host such talks is because it is seen favourably by the US leadership.
The analysts have been off tangent when they opine that the event has established Pakistan’s relevance in the international community. It has certainly buttressed its importance in world affairs. It would have been interesting to see whether Pakistan would have played host if it had not joined the Board of Peace (BoP).
In Pakistan, by and large analysts and social media instead of focusing on the issues at hand that is talks between the US and Iran highlighted significance of the event for the host. Newspapers, including the DAWN, carried news of the visit of the US Vice President as if he had come on a bilateral visit. Likewise, social media became infatuated with the Iranian delegation particularly its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The attention drifted towards nonissues.
Pakistani leadership was lauded by both the US and Iran for its efforts to mediate for an agreement that remained elusive but positives from the meeting have been aired by both the antagonists. There are indications that the peace process may be built upon points where some understanding was reached between the two sides.
Pakistan cannot exert influence on the US to come to terms to the Iranian position. In the case of Iran, it has already given a veiled threat by reminding its defence pact with Saudi Arabia. Stationing its troops and fighter planes in Eastern Saudi Arabia during talks in Islamabad could be interpreted as putting pressure on Iran.
It has been assessed that the mere holding of the meeting in Islamabad would usher in a windfall economic gain for Pakistan. It is not an event like the Olympics that generates economic activity. It was a one-off. Such meetings held in other countries like Doha, Geneva and more recently in Muscat did not evoke any extraordinary economic and political gains for the hosts.
Economic vistas for Pakistan will be ensured only with peace in the region. Pakistan has managed skillfully to navigate the difficult path of bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table. Iran’s preference to Islamabad also stemmed from its security concerns about Iranian leadership directly threatened by Israel.
Pakistan’s image in the world has enhanced because of the role of peacemaker. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a busy time answering calls from various capitals around the world. It indicates support to the peace process to nudge both US and Iran to reach a compromise. It should not be misconstrued as Pakistan becoming the eye of an apple of the world.
We have trodden this path before. During the Afghan War against Soviets and then War against Terrorism. When the objectives were achieved the world turned its back on us. Throughout the 1990s Pakistan lamented US indifference after withdrawal of Soviets from Afghanistan. This is an hour of glory for Pakistani leadership both civilian and military. It remains to be seen how they translate this newfound world attention to the advantage of the country instead of looking for political fortunes only. Though the benefits accruing to the country would catapult political fortunes of the leadership.
The author is former Joint Director General, Intelligence Bureau, Govt. of Pakistan
