Overview
- Foreign Policy labeled Pakistan a winner under Trump’s foreign policy and said India was a loser, citing a shift in Washington that granted Islamabad unusual trust and access.
- The Diplomat reported that Pakistan’s calibrated response in May’s four-day clashes with India clarified the regional military balance, reinforced deterrence and spotlighted the professionalism of its armed forces.
- Both publications noted a tougher line against militancy, including the message from Pakistan’s military leadership that only the state holds authority to declare jihad.
- Foreign Policy said Pakistan’s role in the arrest of a top terrorism mastermind earned goodwill from President Trump and bolstered its reputation as a reliable counterterrorism partner.
- Coverage highlighted warmer ties between Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir and pointed to broader ripple effects such as a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, revived CPEC momentum and Pakistan’s participation in regional security discussions despite ongoing domestic strains.