23/06/2025
National Interest Over Emotion: Pakistan's Realpolitik
by Hammad Husain
Pakistanis often see themselves as the self-designated advocates and representatives of the entire global Muslim community. Yet, their perspective is frequently shaped by emotions and personal biases rather than a rational assessment of geopolitical realities and Pakistan’s national interests.
While we may personally dislike Donald Trump for his support of Israel, his perceived warmongering, or the US government's hegemonic policies, these personal feelings must not dictate Pakistan's strategic foreign policy. National policy should exclusively serve Pakistan's benefit.
The Indo-Pak conflict of May 2025 significantly boosted Pakistan's international standing. Trump's subsequent offer to mediate on Kashmir, a long-held Pakistani stance, put India in a difficult position. Forced to publicly reject both Trump's mediation and his role in the ceasefire, India visibly annoyed the US administration. Pakistan's swift move to fill this void and cultivate Trump represents a clear strategic advantage.
As president of the sole superpower, Trump wields immense influence over critical organizations like the UN, IMF, FATF, World Bank, and IAEA – all vital to Pakistan's ongoing struggles. A friendly US administration can significantly ease these long-standing hurdles.
Pakistan's pressing national issues are not the Gaza conflict, the Israel-Iran war, Yemen, or the Russia-Ukraine war. Our core challenges include: a belligerent India threatening renewed conflict and scrapping the Indus Water Treaty; Indian-fostered terrorism in Balochistan and KPK; and economic and energy crises.
With an American President echoing Pakistan's Kashmir stance for the first time in decades, should we alienate him based on personal opinions? Or should we leverage this unprecedented opportunity to pressure and outmanoeuver India, resolving these issues in our favour? This is the only question that matters on the larger geopolitical chessboard. Improved relations with the US would undoubtedly enhance Pakistan's ability to tackle these challenges.
Every sensible nation prioritizes its national interest above all else. During our recent conflict with India, our close friends like Iran, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE did not issue even one statement of support. They acted on realpolitik, maintaining balanced relations with both Pakistan and India. Their citizens did not chastise them for not supporting a "brother Muslim country." Similarly, Türkiye, while denouncing Israel's actions on global forums, continues trade. This isn't hypocrisy; it's pragmatic strategic foreign policy, which is rarely black and white. Judging such realpolitik through an emotional lens is flawed.
Like other sensible nations, Pakistan must unequivocally place its own national interests first. All other countries, their wars and their citizens come second. Our foreign policy cannot be guided by humanitarian concerns for Gaza, a perceived brotherhood with Iran or dislike for Trump. Our sole guiding principle must be Pakistan's strategic national interest.
Once this is understood, we will realize that instead of criticizing the government for engaging with Trump, we should commend them for prioritizing Pakistan's strategic well-being over hyper-emotional responses.
For once, let's truly believe in "Pakistan First!"
