At the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showed extreme deference to US President Donald Trump. During the summit, Sharif praised Trump heavily and even announced that his government was nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The praise was so strong that Trump himself joked he was “maxed out” with compliments. This act was more than simple diplomacy—it was a clear signal to the world that Pakistan is willing to align closely with the United States, despite any cost to its own autonomy.
Sharif’s actions drew global attention because they went beyond standard diplomatic courtesy. By publicly praising Trump, Pakistan demonstrated its willingness to appear subservient to the US, sending a message that it is eager to maintain American support. Analysts suggest that this was not merely a personal gesture toward Trump but part of a larger strategy to secure Pakistan’s position internationally. The act of flattery before regional and European powers was intended to emphasize Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate with Washington fully, in a bid to regain influence and protection on the global stage.
Pakistan’s shift toward the United States is rooted in multiple pressures and insecurities. The country’s military, long considered a pillar of national pride, was exposed during India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025. India’s precision strikes targeted key military assets in Pakistan, showing operational weaknesses and damaging the perception of invincibility that Pakistan’s military had cultivated for decades. This loss of prestige was a major blow to Pakistan, as the army’s image is central to its national identity. The humiliation left Pakistan seeking a powerful ally to bolster its security and international credibility.
In addition to military setbacks, Pakistan has faced economic and strategic difficulties. China, traditionally its key ally, has reduced funding and infrastructure support, citing risks from Pakistan’s growing debt. The ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has stalled, with many projects incomplete and financial obligations rising. China’s reluctance to fully support Pakistan during the conflict with India highlighted Islamabad’s isolation. This weakening of Chinese support compounded Pakistan’s insecurity, leaving it without a strong regional backer.
At the same time, India has strengthened its position in the region. Pakistan has lost strategic influence in Afghanistan and lacks the unreserved backing of a major global power. This regional disadvantage, combined with internal challenges, has pushed Pakistan to seek stronger ties with the United States. For Pakistan, America offers several benefits, including financial aid, international recognition, and a form of validation for its government and military. Aligning with the US also provides a way to counterbalance India’s regional dominance and gain leverage in global affairs.
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Under Trump, the United States has renewed interest in South Asia, reversing some of the detachment seen during the Biden administration. Trump views Pakistan as a key link to the Muslim world and a potential source of rare resources. For Pakistan, aligning with Washington is a strategic move to ensure economic and political survival. The lavish praise at Sharm el-Sheikh can be understood as an effort to secure goodwill and cement a working relationship with the US.
The broader implication of Sharif’s behavior is that Pakistan is willing to appear subservient to secure its interests. Analysts note that this reflects a Cold War-style repositioning, driven by insecurity and international isolation. Pakistan’s current posture is a marked change from its previous assertive stance, showing how military setbacks, economic constraints, and regional pressures have reshaped its foreign policy. The submission to the United States underscores Pakistan’s recognition of its diminished global position and the need for strong alliances to maintain stability.
Shehbaz Sharif’s actions at Sharm el-Sheikh highlight Pakistan’s strategic recalibration under pressure. The effusive praise for Donald Trump was not just ceremonial—it reflected a calculated move to align with a powerful ally in a time of vulnerability. Military setbacks, economic challenges, and regional disadvantages have left Pakistan seeking support from the United States. This shift illustrates how national insecurity and isolation can shape foreign policy decisions, compelling even sovereign states to adopt a more dependent posture. Pakistan’s approach at the summit serves as a clear example of how geopolitical pressures influence diplomatic behavior, revealing the country’s urgent need for validation, security, and international support in an increasingly competitive global environment.
This moment in Sharm el-Sheikh marks a significant step in Pakistan’s foreign relations, showing a nation adjusting its strategy to survive and thrive amid internal and external challenges. Its alignment with the US under Trump is both a reflection of current vulnerabilities and a calculated effort to restore credibility, gain economic aid, and maintain strategic relevance on the global stage.
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