'Pak diplomatic clout rises under COAS'

ISLAMABAD:

In a glowing review, the British journal The Economist has heaped praise on Field Marshal Asim Munir's diplomatic acumen, noting that his stewardship is breathing new life into Pakistan's foreign policy and reshaping the country's image on the world stage.

The article casts a spotlight on the historic meeting between Field Marshal Munir and US President Donald Trump at the White House in June, an encounter that laid the foundation for a diplomatic transformation in South Asia.

The piece also noted a dramatic shift in Washington's tone, quoting Trump as having called India a "dead economy" while slapping a 25 per cent tariff on its goods.

Meanwhile, in a notable contrast, a trade deal was inked with Pakistan at a much lighter 19 per cent tariff on exports – a clear indicator of warming relations between the two countries.

"There he was, enjoying a private lunch with Donald Trump in the White House on June 18, just over a month after Pakistan's brief conflict with India," The Economist wrote of the high-profile meeting.

"Then, at the end of July, came further snubs for India: branding it a 'dead economy', Mr Trump imposed tariffs of 25pc while hailing a new trade deal with Pakistan."

The journal further stated that the tide may be turning in Pakistan's favour, reporting that Washington was now actively working to revive trade, defence cooperation and counter-terrorism ties with Islamabad.

According to the article, a senior US official acknowledged Pakistan's operations against ISIS, and the administration was now considering supplying Pakistan with armoured vehicles and night vision equipment.

Speaking to the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, The Economist quoted him as saying that Field Marshal Munir is "well versed" with the West, despite not having trained in the US or the UK.

"To India's dismay, America and Pakistan are now rebuilding ties with a focus on trade, counter-terrorism and consultation on Middle Eastern policy. America may even sell arms again to Pakistan," the magazine noted.

The Economist also acknowledged that Pakistan had recently won praise from Washington for taking out key figures of a local offshoot of the Islamic State terrorist group, a feather in the cap of Pakistan's counter-terrorism campaign.

In June, United States Central Command (Centcom) commander Army General Michael Kurilla described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in the fight against terrorism, particularly citing its efforts in Balochistan and operations targeting groups like the Islamic State.

In a further sign that the ice is thawing, America has softened its stance on Pakistan's long-range missile programme, once seen by Biden-era officials as a looming threat to US interests, The Economist observed.