The push began between April and May, when Pakistan signed multiple contracts with American lobbying firms to rebrand itself as a regional stabiliser and bridge between India and Pakistan. As part of the public relations drive, Pakistan even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in “preventing a regional conflict”. The move reportedly frustrated the White House after India refused to endorse the narrative.
The lobbying coincided with a dramatic shift in Washington’s tone. By September, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir had secured a private meeting with Trump at the White House. According to U.S. officials cited in the report, Munir presented rare earth mineral samples and discussed economic and security cooperation, signalling a thaw in ties.
Tariff policy shifts followed soon after. In April, the U.S. had imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistani goods. Four months later, tariffs were cut to 19%, while duties on several Indian exports were raised to 50%. The White House said Pakistan had emerged as a “key partner in the fight against terrorism” under Trump’s leadership.
The report also notes that several lobbying firms hired by Islamabad had direct links to Trump’s inner circle, including former bodyguard and long-time aide Keith Schiller. Analysts say Pakistan’s strategy was “carefully calculated” and yielded visible results.
India, despite hiring its own lobbying firms, spent far less and struggled to counter Pakistan’s growing influence in Washington, further straining diplomatic dynamics in South Asia.
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