(Abdul Basit Alvi)
A balanced foreign policy based on autonomy and diversification allows non-superpower states to protect sovereignty and stability by engaging multiple major powers instead of relying on one, thereby reducing vulnerability to coercion and economic or security shocks while preserving diplomatic independence. Pakistan is advancing this approach through carefully managed relations with both China and the United States, expanding cooperation in security, trade, and investment to reset ties and gain improved market access. Under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership, this dual-track strategy aims to draw economic, military, and diplomatic benefits from both powers without exclusive alignment, enhancing Pakistan’s regional standing and global influence while demonstrating how strategic diplomacy combined with military credibility can yield tangible gains.
The British magazine Financial Times also acknowledged the impressive personality of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him an effective strategic leader in a changing global system. The British magazine Financial Times called Field Marshal Asim Munir an expert in multilateral foreign policy. According to the Financial Times, changing global politics has opened a new but difficult era for the middle powers. This development is proving to be particularly complicated for the middle powers. According to the report, Field Marshal Asim Munir is among the most successful multi-aligners of the middle powers. The honor of being the best aligned with Trump goes to Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The British journal described Field Marshal Asim Munir as a successful example of middle powers diplomacy and wrote that Pakistan’s leadership remained active in simultaneous contacts between Washington, Beijing, Riyadh and Tehran. Field Marshal Asim Munir effectively advanced Pakistan’s diplomacy in a changing global environment. The journal says that timely pleasantries and soft diplomatic behavior with Trump proved effective. Pakistan’s diplomatic success disappointed India. The middle power game proved to be more difficult for India than expected. India could not adapt to the changing global situation and Trump’s style. Due to this diplomatic failure, India is facing difficulties in its middle power strategy.
According to an article in the Washington Times, 2025 marked a revolutionary turning point in Pakistan–US relations, ending Washington’s long-standing “India First” approach and elevating Pakistan to a central position in President Trump’s South Asia strategy. The shift was driven mainly by the May Pakistan–India war, during which Pakistan’s military performance reportedly exceeded US expectations and surprised Trump. The Washington Times noted that Pakistan moved from being viewed as an unwanted state to a key partner, while India’s political challenges, restrictions on personal freedoms, uneven military performance, and diplomatic rigidity weakened its image as a reliable regional stabilizer. Early signs of improvement included secret counterterrorism cooperation and Trump’s unexpected public praise for Pakistan in March, which Islamabad quickly leveraged to deepen engagement. The Washington Times also highlighted the growing prominence of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, portraying him as a pivotal figure in the policy shift and in reshaping Pakistan’s strategic image in Washington. Pakistan’s military modernization, command restructuring, and activation of the Chief of Defense Forces post are described as gaining new global significance, with Field Marshal’s leadership receiving strong recognition. His interactions with President Trump and senior US military leaders, including meetings at the White House and CENTCOM, are depicted as unprecedented and symbolic of Pakistan’s renewed importance. While Pakistan is presented as an emerging anchor of US strategy heading into 2026, the article concluded that the durability of this realignment will depend on the future conduct of both Pakistan and India, with 2025 seen as a year that reshaped US policy and the balance of power in South Asia.
The nation is indeed blessed to have such a military leader who has played such a key role in its current strong global standing, giving it a significant and unprecedented edge over its enemy, India, a truly satisfactory outcome.
