President Trump has frequently lauded Munir as a “highly respected general” and a “great fighter,” credits him with helping to avert a broader nuclear escalation in the region
DNA
ISLAMABAD: In a striking geopolitical realignment at the close of 2025, recent reports suggest that the United States is once again placing its strategic weight behind Pakistan, a move that has granted Islamabad a significant vantage position in the South Asian region. This shift is deeply rooted in the personal rapport between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir. Following the intense May 2025 military clash with India, Munir was promoted to the historic five-star rank—the first in decades—and has since been hosted multiple times at the White House. President Trump has frequently lauded Munir as a “highly respected general” and a “great fighter,” credits him with helping to avert a broader nuclear escalation in the region.
This warming of U.S.-Pakistan ties stands in stark contrast to Washington’s relations with New Delhi, which have hit an all-time low. Strained by heavy U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and disagreements over strategic autonomy, the once-solid U.S.-India partnership is facing structural challenges. Pakistan now finds itself in a unique window of opportunity to capitalize on this diplomatic “bonhomie.” To solidify this position, the Pakistani government must urgently move beyond security cooperation and aggressively encourage the U.S. government and private firms to invest in the country.
So far, U.S. direct investment in Pakistan has remained nominal, largely overshadowed by bilateral aid and military cooperation. However, the current alignment under the Trump administration provides a rare moment of political stability that can be used to attract American capital into critical sectors like mining, IT, and energy. Field Marshal Munir’s recent presentation of rare earth minerals to the White House exemplifies the potential for a resource-driven partnership. By securing increased U.S. investments, Pakistan can significantly improve global investor confidence, signaling that the country is not just a security partner but a viable economic frontier. For Pakistan, the path forward is clear: leverage this newfound strategic proximity to transform its economy through deep-rooted American commercial ties.
