A year after being a diplomatic outcast, Pakistan has re-emerged as a regional mediator between the US and Iran, driven largely by military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Munir has met President Donald Trump several times, including a rare one-on-one White House lunch, while Pakistan also handed over an Islamic State suspect accused of killing US troops, reports Reuters.
“Pakistan’s civil-military leadership has been on a charm offensive primarily balancing relations between the US and China as it seeks to employ a diversified foreign policy,” said Arsla Jawaid.
“All these efforts are beginning to show some signs of success.”
Ties had deteriorated after Osama bin Laden’s killing in 2011 and tensions over Afghanistan.
Maleeha Lodhi said cooperation with Washington was “critical” in reversing mistrust.
A brief conflict with India further boosted Pakistan’s standing, with officials citing military restraint and diplomatic engagement with the US.
Levers of power
Pakistan’s military remains central to policymaking, making Field Marshal Munir’s approval crucial even under civilian governments.
His White House visit, without civilian leadership, underscored US recognition of this power structure.
“If there is one factor above all that has fuelled the widening of diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan, it is the trust and symbiosis between the field marshal and prime minister,” said Mosharraf Zaidi.
Officials cited close civil-military coordination and active diplomacy, including frequent calls and meetings with global leaders.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently hosted talks with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
“Because of Dar’s frequent interactions…they can share intimate comments as well as a solemn moment,” said Andrabi.
‘Favourite field marshal’
Pakistan has deepened ties with Washington through high-level engagements involving both civilian and military leadership.
Munir, whom Trump called his “favourite field marshal”, held talks at Davos and has spoken multiple times with Vice President JD Vance since the Iran war began.
Vance also engaged Pakistani intermediaries on the conflict, signalling openness to a ceasefire under certain conditions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Talks have covered investment, a crypto deal and regional security, while Pakistan also signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia last year.
Heartburn in India
Pakistan’s rising diplomatic role has unsettled India, where critics say New Delhi risks being sidelined.
“I have been calling for almost three weeks now for India to take a leading stand…but India gets no credit while Pakistan is holding the peace talks,” said opposition lawmaker Shashi Tharoor.
Analysts warn Pakistan’s weak economy and defence ties with Saudi Arabia could draw it into conflict and trigger domestic tensions.
Pakistan “has to continue to look inwards to bolster its own pillars of national power, especially its economy,” said Uzair Yunus.
“The civil-military leadership will need to be very careful…Overplaying the mediator card could prove to be more damaging,” said Jawaid.
