As Donald Trump assumed the US presidency for a second term on January 20, 2025, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has adopted a pragmatic stance, balancing cautious diplomacy with a firm defence of national sovereignty. Drawing from historical precedents and current geopolitical realities, the PML-N-led government views President Trump’s return as a test of Pakistan’s ability to navigate an increasingly transactional US foreign policy while safeguarding its strategic interests.
Optimism amid renewed engagement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Trump on his inauguration via social media, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding US-Pakistan partnership and decades of collaborative efforts toward regional stability. President Asif Ali Zardari echoed this sentiment, framing the occasion as a chance to renew ties, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi representing Pakistan at the ceremony. While Naqvi’s unofficial attendance drew scrutiny, it signalled Islamabad’s pragmatic intent to engage with the Trump administration despite domestic debates over protocol. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif bolstered the optimistic tone, praising President Trump’s inaugural focus on global unity and peacemaking — a departure, he claimed, from Washington’s historical role as a “conflict instigator.”
Economic priorities over aid dependency
President Trump’s “America First” doctrine signals a likely reduction in US aid, which the PML-N views as an opportunity to recalibrate Pakistan’s economic strategy. Historically reliant on US assistance, Pakistan now faces pressure to diversify partnerships and attract investment from China, Gulf states, and international financial institutions. Trump’s disdain for “free aid” could exacerbate Pakistan’s debt crisis, but the PML-N has prioritised structural reforms and austerity measures to reduce dependency. As foreign policy expert Muhammad Faisal noted, Pakistan must “skillfully navigate” US-China tensions to avoid alienating either power while securing economic stability.
Managing US-China rivalry
The PML-N recognises that the Trump administration’s adversarial stance toward China will strain Islamabad’s alliance with Beijing, particularly regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With President Trump vowing 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports and scrutinising CPEC’s strategic implications, Pakistan risks becoming collateral damage in this rivalry.
The PML-N-led government views President Trump’s return as a test of Pakistan’s ability to navigate an increasingly transactional US foreign policy while safeguarding its strategic interests.
However, the PML-N has resisted calls to distance itself from China, instead advocating for a “normalised” relationship with the US that focuses on shared counterterrorism goals and economic cooperation. This balancing act reflects PML-N’s broader strategy of maintaining neutrality in great-power competition.
Regional stability: India, Afghanistan, and Kashmir
President Trump’s perceived tilt toward India — a cornerstone of his Indo-Pacific strategy — poses challenges to Pakistan’s security calculus. The PML-N has long criticised India’s actions in Kashmir, and Trump’s indifference to the issue risks deepening regional asymmetry. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains a flashpoint, with cross-border terrorism and Taliban-aligned groups threatening CPEC projects. Pakistan has called for renewed US engagement in stabilising Afghanistan, though analysts like Christopher Clary argue that the country must first address its own economic and governance challenges to regain leverage.
Sovereignty and non-interference: a red line
The PML-N has consistently rejected external pressure, particularly regarding domestic political matters. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif underscored this stance by dismissing speculation that Trump’s administration could secure the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
The PML-N has consistently rejected external pressure, particularly regarding domestic political matters.
Drawing parallels to Nawaz Sharif’s 1998 refusal to abandon nuclear tests despite US pressure, Asif emphasised that Pakistan’s decisions are “guided by national interest, not foreign diktats.” This sentiment was echoed by PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry, who rebuked Trump ally Richard Grenell’s calls for Khan’s release as “interference in internal affairs.” For the PML-N, Trump’s transactional approach necessitates vigilance against perceived overreach, even as bilateral ties remain crucial.
Pragmatism in a transactional era
For the PML-N, Trump’s inauguration underlines the need for Pakistan to adopt a clear-eyed, interest-driven foreign policy. While the party acknowledges the risks of reduced US aid and heightened scrutiny over China ties, it remains committed to sovereignty, economic resilience, and regional stability. As Trump’s unpredictable style reshapes global dynamics, the PML-N’s success will hinge on its ability to transform challenges into opportunities—a task requiring both strategic foresight and a firm resolve.
