A recent re-engagement with the Americans at the top, between President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, over a luncheon, has opened a floodgate of bizarre predictions and analyses. A luncheon — what could this mean? Should it mean more than just a conversation with a nuclear-armed state almost at war with another? Trump’s mentioning of this event 26 times since May 2025 has raised eyebrows and hopes alike.
Has Pakistan gained favour with the mercurial President Trump? Why? How? Has the Field Marshal achieved the most unimaginable feat? Is this a feat, or is it something else? Will this odd attention translate into dollars flowing through the streets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad? Is this really a renewal of a non-friendship?
And for some, the most delicious bonus of this imagined forthcoming bonanza is the humiliation and downgrading of our deepest, darkest enemy — India — in the eyes of America.
Bollocks.
Seriously, I am not an economist or a predictor of politics, but I do have some sense.
Let us reality-check everything since May 2025: Pakistan’s fortunes turned on the cusp of a four-day almost-war, aided by China — the hero, our friend, our benefactor: China. We have won no wars against India on our own. The experts of war have all said the defining factor in the near-conflict of May 2025 was China — or rather, the Chinese. Pakistan’s professional air force officers aside, they still required an edge, and that was provided by our steadfast friend, the Chinese.
If the analysts of war know this, and I can see it, can we assume the Americans do not? Therefore, it is logical that the “attention” Pakistan is being bestowed is not really about Pakistan but has something to do with China.
The Chinese are not known for thumping their chests or proclaiming victory on Twitter. They do not parade their incredible achievements publicly; they simply demonstrate them through actions — quietly and emphatically.
The Pakistan–China versus India-backed-by-America-and-France almost-war stunned many, including the Americans. Pakistan did what it does: increased its defence budget, further giving carte blanche to our military establishment. Our Chief of Army Staff was also promoted to Field Marshal for the incredible work of our air force. What did the Chinese do? Nothing. Business as usual.
The sooner we realise what the priorities of Pakistan are and who our genuine allies are, the better. Chasing wild dreams is delusional and dangerous
This alliance has left everyone both giddy and stunned.
What has been the American reaction since? Verbally woo Pakistan. Connect the dots, and one sees so much more clearly.
If Pakistanis do not see what the Americans are doing for what it really is, the world can: undermine our relationship with China.
The lesson I would have learnt: do not take your friend for granted, and do not undermine a friend. From the bottom of the oceans to the top of the Himalayas, Pakistan and China will remain bound in friendship. Remember.
What has happened instead? Pakistan is salivating at any opportunity to please America. America? Why? All they have done is destroy; look at the ashes they have left on every continent. The only true friend or ally they have is Israel — a genocidal polity.
America backed India during the war and throughout all the conflict conversations. America is India’s strategic partner and will remain so, no matter what the current bumps imply. They have more in common and more need of each other than anything Pakistan can offer.
What we are seeing unfold is nothing to be happy about. The American 50 per cent tariffs on India will further force India to deepen and broaden economic ties elsewhere — it will have to turn to China as well. Our friend.
India is already deepening and broadening its ties with Russia (which is what we should be doing). The more the Americans isolate India, for however long, the more this will provide an opportunity for India to improve its relationship with China. As President Xi once stated, “China and India are not destined to be enemies”; why should they be, when they share a border and are the two largest nations in the world?
This should worry Pakistan.
Pakistan has not been a good friend to China in the past. The list is long and repetitive. Unless there is something I cannot see, and unless our strategic relationship with China has calculated this recent American lollipop, our public overtures and responses are unbecoming and humiliating for a self-respecting Pakistani.
What is required instead is to improve and build trust in our fractured relationship with the Chinese. This would require improving governance inside Pakistan, providing better health, education, and opportunities for Pakistanis. A strong Pakistan means content and happy citizens. Security inside Pakistan is the foundation of a healthier nation. The Chinese have advised us of this — how many times? We cannot build economic ties or economies over dead, disappeared bodies. Roads must lead to markets, not graves. Banks must eventually be filled with disposable income for any real growth to sustain a nation.
The sooner we realise what the priorities of Pakistan are and who our genuine allies are, the better. Chasing wild dreams is delusional and dangerous.
Imagine a time when China has a choice between India and Pakistan as its regional ally. Who would you choose if you were the Chinese?