Washington appears taken aback as a major shift in US policy toward Pakistan emerges following unexpected remarks by former US President Donald Trump. According to a report published in the Washington Times and cited by AP News, Pakistan’s strategic importance for the United States has once again increased, marking a notable departure from previous policy approaches.
The report states that in March, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan during a national address, a move that stirred debate within Washington’s policy circles. The remarks were seen as a clear signal of a changing tone in US foreign policy, prompting renewed discussion about Pakistan’s role in regional and global strategic calculations.
US media described Trump’s comments as a rare and surprising turn in American foreign policy. Pakistan, long viewed in Washington as a sidelined or less-favored country, has rapidly re-emerged as a potential strategic partner. Analysts quoted in the report noted that such a swift shift in a country’s image is uncommon within US policy institutions.
According to the Washington Times, the foundation for this policy shift was laid after the Pakistan–India confrontation in May. The brief but intense escalation reportedly forced Trump to reassess the region’s strategic realities, leading to a practical redrawing of Washington’s strategic outlook in which Pakistan regained a central position.
The development highlights how regional conflicts and evolving ground realities can quickly reshape global alliances. Pakistan is once again positioning itself as a key player in international geopolitics, signaling the possibility of a longer-term change in US strategic thinking.
