For decades, Pakistan was often viewed through a lens of instability, overshadowed by India and treated cautiously in Washington. Today, that narrative is changing. Pakistan has emerged as a capable, strategic actor—a nation that can deliver regional stability, mediate conflicts, and serve as a bridge between Washington and Asia’s rising powers.
Military Maturity and Regional Stability
The brief May 2025 India-Pakistan confrontation underscored Pakistan’s growing defense capabilities. According to Pakistani analyses, its deployment of PL-15 missiles demonstrated a qualitative enhancement in deterrence, signaling Islamabad’s ability to effectively contest India’s advanced air power. This measured display reassures both neighbors and partners: Pakistan can safeguard regional security without triggering uncontrolled escalation.
Diplomatic Achievements and Mediation
Beyond defense, Pakistan has shown notable diplomatic skill. Its role in facilitating the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement under U.S. auspices in August 2025 showcased Islamabad’s ability to act as a regional stabilizer. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s endorsement of the accord reflects Pakistan’s growing credibility in international diplomacy.
Simultaneously, Pakistan has strengthened its ties with Washington. High-level meetings, including engagements with President Trump, have focused on critical minerals, hydrocarbons, and trade—areas where Pakistan offers both opportunity and reliability. This cooperation signals that Pakistan can be a long-term partner, contributing to both regional and global stability.
Economic Diplomacy and a Dynamic Society
Pakistan has leveraged its economic potential to attract investment and modernize key sectors. The July 2025 trade agreement with the U.S., reducing tariffs on Pakistani exports, enhances competitiveness in mining, technology, and emerging sectors such as cryptocurrency. Behind these policy moves is a young, increasingly tech-savvy population eager to innovate and drive growth—a human dimension that accentuates the sustainability and potential of Pakistan’s strategic resurgence.
Multi-Vector Diplomacy: An Opportunity for Washington
Pakistan’s foreign policy demonstrates remarkable pragmatism: it maintains strong ties with China, engages constructively with Russia and Iran, and deepens cooperation with the United States. This multi-vector approach is not a sign of fence-sitting, but a deliberate strategy to preserve autonomy and maximize leverage. For Washington, it is an opportunity, not a threat, to influence outcomes in a region where exclusive alliances are a relic of the past.
A Bridge to Asia: Lessons from History
Historically, the United States has used Pakistan as a strategic connector. In the 1970s, President Nixon relied on Pakistan to open channels with China—a move that reshaped global geopolitics. Today, with Pakistan maintaining a strong partnership with China, Washington has a renewed opportunity to reconnect constructively with Beijing, promoting trade, stability, and world peace. As President Clinton advised, China should be treated not merely as a competitor but as a partner; Pakistan is the ideal conduit to facilitate that partnership.
Seize the Moment, Mind the Challenges
Pakistan’s resurgence is real, measurable, and ongoing. Its military discipline, diplomatic acumen, and economic initiatives collectively signal a nation ready to play a constructive global role. The question for Washington is no longer whether to engage with Pakistan, but how quickly it can leverage this moment to forge a durable, strategic partnership. This path is not without challenges—from political stability to continued economic reforms—but the rewards are significant: through Pakistan, the United States can strengthen regional stability, deepen economic ties, and rebuild constructive engagement with China, advancing both American and global interests.
