Two weeks into President Trump’s administration, no formal contact has been made with Pakistan, indicating a shift in priorities. The decline of direct interactions reflects a broader trend influenced by former President Biden’s administration. Recent actions taken by Trump could have significant ramifications for Pakistan, particularly regarding foreign aid and Afghan refugee policies.
ISLAMABAD: Over two weeks following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, there has been no formal communication between Pakistan and the new U.S. administration. While diplomatic channels have remained active, the absence of direct contact indicates that Pakistan is not a priority for Trump’s administration, a shift from its previous status as a key American ally.
In recent years, direct interactions between U.S. and Pakistani leaders have declined, exemplified by former President Joe Biden’s avoidance of speaking with Pakistani prime ministers during his term. Although officials like Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not visit Pakistan, past officials in Islamabad would frequently engage with U.S. counterparts.
Following Trump’s inauguration, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached out, expressing a desire to strengthen bilateral relations. However, despite these gestures, the Trump administration has not replied to any communications from Pakistani leadership or acknowledged their congratulatory messages.
Moreover, the Trump administration has enacted policies with significant repercussions for Pakistan. An executive order pausing foreign aid affects Pakistan among other nations, which expected a temporary suspension rather than a prolonged review.
Another vital decision includes suspending the Afghan refugee admission program, impacting approximately 25,000 Afghans in Pakistan who served U.S. interests in Afghanistan. These individuals were promised resettlement visas due to legitimate threats posed by the Taliban. The Foreign Office recently mentioned that relocation to the U.S. should be finalized by September 2025 under a previous arrangement with the Biden administration.
Pakistan’s historical relationship with the United States has significantly shifted, particularly under recent administrations. Once regarded as a central ally for U.S. foreign policy in South Asia, communications have drastically diminished. This decline affects various diplomatic engagements, including foreign aid and refugee assistance, thereby altering the geopolitical landscape between the two nations.
The lack of formal engagement between the U.S. and Pakistan signifies a notable shift in foreign policy priorities, with Pakistan receiving less attention from the current administration. Recent executive decisions have direct consequences for Pakistan, notably impacting foreign aid and refugee assistance, reflecting a changing dynamic in U.S.-Pakistan relations.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
