Asim Munir’s Diplomatic Maneuvers: From US Praise to Saudi Alignment, Is Pakistan Exiting Diplomatic Isolation

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Islamabad: Pakistan, which appeared to be in diplomatic isolation during Imran Khan’s final months in office, is now actively attempting to re-engage with the international community. Following nearly three years of limited interaction with Western countries, the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and the support of a military-backed civilian government have enabled Islamabad to gradually break this isolation.

US Relations See Major Shift

The most notable change has occurred in Pakistan’s relationship with the United States. Former US President Donald Trump openly praised Asim Munir and portrayed Pakistan as a “peacemaker nation”, claiming at multiple instances that he had prevented escalations between India and Pakistan and averted potential nuclear crises. A new US-Pakistan “package deal” reportedly includes provisions for US military installations, cryptocurrency collaboration, critical mineral exploration, and investment in Pakistan’s oil sectors. Analysts say this agreement aims to enhance the political stature of Pakistan’s military while offering limited relief to the country’s struggling economy.

Rebuilding Global Trade Ties

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan recently engaged with a European Union parliamentary delegation, reaffirming cooperation under the GSP Plus scheme, which has provided Pakistan with roughly $8 billion annually since 2014. Islamabad has also intensified efforts to promote trade in Ottawa and other major capitals, signaling a broad attempt to reconnect with global markets.

Saudi Partnership Revived

On the Middle Eastern front, Pakistan has renewed efforts to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia. During a recent visit to Riyadh, the two countries announced the launch of an Economic Cooperation Framework, planning joint projects in energy, mining, agriculture, IT, tourism, and food security. A defense agreement in September further stipulated that an attack on either country would be considered an attack on both. Experts see this as Pakistan’s strategy to reestablish itself as a reliable partner in the Islamic world while using Saudi investment to stabilize its economy.

Strategic Opportunism or Tactical Diplomacy?

Despite these moves, experts caution that Pakistan’s diplomacy under Asim Munir appears reactive rather than strategic. Efforts seem aimed at projecting strength against India domestically, even when the country lacks the actual resources or leverage. Pakistan is also attempting to position itself in Gaza, reportedly ready to deploy troops if necessary. Analysts argue that these maneuvers are primarily intended to legitimize military-backed governance domestically, while Islamabad continues to be viewed internationally as an opportunistic state rather than a reliable partner.

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