September 25, 2025 — Pakistan is once again stepping into the global spotlight, this time by positioning itself as a middleman in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy. Analysts warn, however, that while Islamabad may enjoy short-term diplomatic gains, its opportunistic approach could easily backfire.
Pakistan’s Bid for Relevance
Facing economic struggles at home, Pakistan is leveraging its strategic location and nuclear status to remain relevant in world politics. According to South Asia expert Michael Kugelman, Islamabad is “having its moment in the sun in global geopolitics, fleeting though it may be.”
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are meeting President Trump in Washington — just three months after Trump’s surprise meeting with Munir at the White House. The back-to-back engagements highlight Pakistan’s bid to present itself as a key partner for Washington in the turbulent Middle East, while pushing India to the sidelines.
Why the U.S. Finds Pakistan Useful
Pakistan’s strength lies less in economic or technological power and more in relationships with Gulf Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These ties make it a convenient partner for Washington as it navigates conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Gaza.
Islamabad recently signed a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, strengthening its standing in the Gulf and giving the U.S. an indirect channel to influence regional actors. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to balance ties with China and Turkey, hoping to boost its geopolitical weight by playing multiple sides.
Risks of the “Middleman Strategy”
While Pakistan’s approach may win it temporary attention, experts warn of long-term dangers. Much of its leverage depends on Trump’s personal diplomacy and timing rather than strong domestic fundamentals. A shift in U.S. priorities could leave Islamabad isolated.
Pakistan’s attempt to maintain close ties with both the U.S. and China is also risky. Kugelman cautions that this balancing act could “backfire spectacularly,” damaging trust with both powers.
Moreover, Pakistan’s economic fragility adds another layer of vulnerability. Unlike India — which has the industrial base and technological strength to sustain its global role — Pakistan remains dependent on foreign aid, loans, and military assistance. Its credibility as a broker rests more on perception than actual capability.
A Familiar Cycle
This pattern is not new. During the Cold War, Pakistan was a frontline U.S. ally against the Soviet Union but later faced sanctions over its nuclear program. After 2001, it was a key partner in the war on terror, yet U.S. frustration with Pakistan’s ties to militant groups repeatedly strained relations.
Today’s resurgence in U.S.-Pakistan ties appears to be another chapter in this transactional relationship, which history suggests rarely ends well for Islamabad.
Why India Is Watching Closely
For India, the renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement is a reminder of Islamabad’s tactics to gain short-term influence at the expense of regional stability. Unlike Pakistan, India’s partnership with Washington is built on defence, technology, and economic strength, positioning it as a long-term counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.
Bottom Line
Pakistan is capitalizing on global uncertainty and Trump’s willingness to engage, positioning itself as an indispensable broker in the Middle East. But with fragile economics, overreliance on external powers, and a history of boom-and-bust ties with Washington, its middleman strategy could unravel as quickly as it has emerged.