ISLAMABAD: The Washington Times, a prominent American publication, has identified 2025 as a transformative year marking a pivotal shift in the dynamics of Pakistan-US relations. The newspaper highlighted a significant overhaul in Washington’s South Asia strategy, signaling the end of the “India First” approach and positioning Pakistan in a favorable light.
The article points to a dramatic evolution in the US stance toward Pakistan, rooted in a brief yet intense conflict between Pakistan and India in May. This incident reportedly acted as a catalyst, compelling the United States to rethink its regional strategy and reshape the geopolitical framework of South Asia.
The analysis delves into the relationship between Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump. It notes that Pakistan, once seen as an unimportant or problematic actor by Washington, has ascended to the status of an important partner. This rapidly evolving shift in US perceptions of Pakistan has been characterized as both extraordinary and unprecedented.
The report underscores Pakistan’s emerging role as the cornerstone of Trump’s revised South Asia policy. Initial strides in improving ties were observed through covert counterterrorism collaborations, followed by Trump’s surprising public commendation of Pakistan during a national address in March. This marked the beginning of a deeper engagement, gradually transforming relations from transactional exchanges to a burgeoning strategic alliance.
The turning point, according to the report, came during the Pakistan-India conflict in May. The professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency exhibited by Pakistan’s military reportedly impressed President Trump, challenging preconceptions and repositioning Pakistan as a credible and serious player on the regional stage.
Following the May conflict, Trump reportedly recalibrated his vision for South Asia with Pakistan at the center. The country emerged as a valuable strategic partner within the new policy framework, and its advancements in military modernization began to garner international attention. At the same time, significant changes within Pakistan’s military command structure were observed, with the activation of the Chief of Defence Forces role. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir featured prominently in this transformation, with his leadership during these events earning accolades.
The Washington Times also reported on India’s lukewarm response to a ceasefire proposal initiated by Washington, contrasting it with Pakistan’s positive reception and gratitude towards US mediation efforts. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s adept handling of these developments reportedly won him favor within Trump’s close circle, with their relationship humorously referred to as a “bromance” among observers.
The report further elaborated on Pakistan’s rising influence beyond its traditional boundaries. It alluded to the country’s promising back-channel ties with Iran, its potential involvement in Gaza’s stabilization efforts, and its enhanced role in shaping the future balance of power in South Asia post-“India First” policies.
While celebrating this remarkable evolution in Pakistan-US ties, The Washington Times cautioned that sustaining the new policy direction would largely depend on how both Delhi and Islamabad navigate future challenges. Nevertheless, it credited Pakistan—under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership—with playing a critical role in realigning America’s South Asia vision and recalibrating regional stability.
