A growing number of foreign policy analysts in Pakistan believe that Islamabad’s attempt to use former US President Donald Trump as a strategic ‘Trump card’ to extract geopolitical advantages is no longer effective in the current reality. A report by Bangladesh Pratidin has raised this critical question.

The Crisis of Strategic Dependency

The report notes that Pakistan has long used its relationship with the United States as a tool to advance its national interests and regional influence. During the Trump administration, Islamabad had hoped that a close relationship with Washington would yield economic aid, military technology, and diplomatic support on the Kashmir issue. However, those expectations were not met.

The Reality of US Policy

According to analysts, even during the Trump administration, US policy in South Asia was primarily centered on India. Washington prioritized New Delhi over Islamabad due to India’s market size, military strength, and strategic position, which align more closely with American interests. As a result, Pakistan’s ‘Trump card’ effectively lost its potency.

Regional Balance and New Equations

The report also highlights that the rise of China and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan have transformed the strategic equation in South Asia. While Pakistan has strengthened ties with countries like China and Saudi Arabia, its old strategy of relying on the United States is no longer yielding significant dividends. For Islamabad, the ‘Trump card’ is now an outdated weapon, ineffective in modern geopolitical warfare.

The Way Forward

Analysts suggest that Pakistan must accept the new reality and build a diversified diplomatic approach. Instead of depending on a single country, it should strengthen its position through regional alliances and economic partnerships. Otherwise, playing this ‘card’ may leave Pakistan even more isolated on the global stage.