WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Shaikh, said relations between the two countries have strengthened under the Trump administration, though there is potential for deeper engagement. Speaking at a symposium organised by Pakistani students at Georgetown University, he described the relationship as “never been so good looking” while acknowledging the need for more substantive cooperation.
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Former US ambassador Robin Raphel credited President Trump with removing the “emotionalism” that previously hindered US efforts to rebuild ties with Pakistan, calling the present moment an opportunity to strengthen relations with a strategically important country. Ambassador Shaikh also highlighted Pakistan’s potential as a large country with the fifth-largest population, emphasizing that the US now views Pakistan on its own merits rather than solely through the lens of Afghanistan or India.
Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi outlined five key areas likely to shape Pakistan’s foreign policy, including managing relations with China and the US amid rising tensions, addressing challenges in Afghanistan, maintaining an adversarial stance towards India, and balancing ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. She described Afghanistan as a “severe policy dilemma,” cautioning against approaches that could lead to a total breakdown in relations.
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Other speakers, including former senator Mushahid Hussain and Prof Akbar S. Ahmed, stressed Pakistan’s role as a regional security provider, the importance of justice and education, and the critical role of the country’s young population in shaping social and political movements. The symposium brought together scholars, diplomats, and students to discuss Pakistan’s foreign policy, economic opportunities, and domestic challenges.