PAKISTAN has emerged as one of the beneficiaries of the evolving regional order reshaped by US President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly in the West and South Asian context. However, it remains to be seen how far the country can maintain its relevance, and whether it will make deliberate strategic moves or continue drifting with the Trumpian wave.

After the initial shocks, the world appears ready to respond to the new challenges created by President Trump. A key question revolves around the post-Trump scenario and how the US will behave. Will it continue the Trump approach regardless of who wins, or will it review or reverse Trump-era policies?

European nations may seek to renegotiate their economic, political, and strategic terms with the US. Canada, India, and Japan are likely to proceed with greater caution, while China may focus on protecting and consolidating the gains it has been accruing under Trump’s policies.

In this evolving situation, where will Pakistan stand? Will the country return to the pre-Trump status, when its diplomacy was under strain, and it struggled to safeguard its geostrategic and geo-economic interests?

It is a dual balancing act that reflects Pakistan’s persistent dilemma.

The recently announced EU-India free trade framework and the generally expanding European economic cooperation with India signals a broader recalibration of Europe’s engagement with Asia. China, too, appears to be a relatively reliable economic partner, even though there are certain political economy caveats that are no secret. In terms of trade, Pakistan cannot be compared with its big neighbours China and India. Even with its position as a medium-scale state, trade is........

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