Mansoor Nizamani
Midterm elections in the United States are not merely a test of the popularity of the ruling party; they also influence the country’s future political direction, government policies, and international relations. The success of the Democrats in the US midterm elections held on November 3, 2026, and the weakening of the Republican Party’s position in both chambers of Congress have created a new political situation for President Donald Trump. Although Trump remains the President of the United States and continues to serve his presidential term, the stronger position of the opposition in Congress could affect his legislative agenda, government policies, and political strategy. This political shift in the United States will not remain confined to Washington; it could also influence global diplomacy, trade relations, and various regional conflicts. In this situation, Pakistan must carefully assess the changing American political landscape and reconsider the priorities of its foreign policy.
Relations between Pakistan and the United States have passed through various phases throughout history. At times, defence and security cooperation between the two countries has remained strong, while at other times, differences in regional interests, policy disagreements, and a lack of mutual trust have created tensions. During Trump’s current presidency, diplomatic engagement and personal relations with Pakistan have received considerable attention. However, it is not advisable for any country to base its bilateral relations solely on personal ties with a particular president or political figure. In the United States, institutions such as Congress, the State Department, the Pentagon, and other government bodies also play significant roles in shaping and implementing foreign policy. Therefore, Pakistan needs to strengthen its relations with all major stakeholders in the American political system on a permanent and institutional basis so that political changes in Washington do not adversely affect bilateral relations.
Another major challenge for Pakistan’s foreign policy is the growing global rivalry between China and the United States. China is an important economic and defence partner of Pakistan, while the United States is a significant export market, a potential source of investment, and an influential power in international financial institutions. On the one hand, China is playing a major role in Pakistan through CPEC, energy projects, and infrastructure development. On the other hand, maintaining trade, economic, and diplomatic relations with the United States is equally important for Pakistan. If trade disputes, technological competition, and defence-related tensions between Washington and Beijing intensify, balancing relations with both countries could become increasingly difficult for Pakistan. Islamabad will therefore need to make it clear that its foreign policy is based not on supporting or opposing any global power, but on national interests, economic needs, regional stability, and national security.
Relations with Iran are also a sensitive and important aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Tensions between Iran and the United States, the possibility of regional conflict, and the global energy crisis have direct implications for Pakistan’s economy and security. Pakistan shares geographical, religious, historical, and trade ties with Iran, while it also cannot afford to ignore its diplomatic and economic relations with the United States. In this situation, Islamabad must continue playing a diplomatic role in reducing tensions between the two countries, encouraging dialogue, and promoting regional peace. Considering Pakistan’s geographical importance and its border with Iran, staying away from any potential military conflict and promoting regional stability should remain its fundamental priorities. At the same time, Afghanistan remains an equally important concern for Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan, border security, counterterrorism, and regional trade are areas where Pakistan and the United States can continue cooperation on the basis of shared interests. Despite political changes in the US Congress, cooperation against terrorism and diplomatic efforts concerning Iran could provide Pakistan with an important diplomatic opportunity.
Another important question for Pakistan following the Democrats’ success in Congress concerns the future of economic agreements and investment projects pursued during the Trump administration. In recent years, Pakistan has made various efforts to expand economic cooperation with the United States, particularly in minerals, energy, digital currency, and trade-related projects. The approval of $1.25 billion in financial support by the US Export-Import Bank for the Reko Diq project represents an important development for Pakistan. At the same time, plans for the redevelopment of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and certain memorandums of understanding involving business entities associated with the Trump family may come under greater political and legislative scrutiny in the United States. According to a Reuters report published on November 6, following the Democrats’ electoral success, questions and possible investigations may arise regarding the close contacts between Pakistan and the Trump administration and certain business dealings. In this situation, Pakistan must ensure the transparency, legal standing, and protection of its national interests in all such agreements. Advancing projects solely on the basis of political connections could create difficulties in the future.
Defence and security cooperation with the United States is also important for Pakistan. Historically, both countries have worked together on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional security matters. The situation in Afghanistan, cross-border terrorism, and the growing threat of extremism are challenges that cannot be addressed through the efforts of a single country. Therefore, Pakistan should continue advancing defence and security relations with the United States on the basis of shared interests, keeping them separate from political disagreements. However, Pakistan must also avoid excessive dependence on any single country for its defence and security requirements and maintain cooperation with various friendly nations so that their support remains available when unexpected circumstances arise.
In this overall situation, an important question concerning Pakistan’s foreign policy is whether the country can strengthen its position in global politics on a sustainable basis. Pakistan possesses geographical importance, a large population, natural resources, regional connectivity, and experienced diplomatic professionals. However, these advantages can only be translated into meaningful benefits when the country enjoys political stability, economic reforms, and continuity in its policies. Foreign investment cannot be secured merely through political meetings or memorandums of understanding. It also requires the rule of law, consistent policies, transparent institutions, affordable energy, and reliable security arrangements. If Pakistan fails to resolve its internal challenges, even close relations with global powers will not be sufficient to bring the desired improvement in its economic situation.
Pakistan must now understand that in international politics, national interests, economic strength, and strong institutions carry greater significance than personal relationships or claims of permanent friendships. Following the Democrats’ success in the United States, Pakistan will need to rebalance its relations with Washington while maintaining its strategic partnership with China. It must also strengthen relations with neighbouring Iran and continue diplomatic efforts to promote peace in Afghanistan. The government should therefore ensure that foreign policy remains above changes in political governments and adopt a consistent strategy through consultation with Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant institutions. The international standing of any country depends not merely on its close relations with powerful leaders, but also on its own political stability, economic independence, and principled diplomacy. Pakistan must now decide whether it will continue changing its direction according to shifting political circumstances among global powers or adopt an independent and consistent foreign policy based on its national interests and long-term security.
