Pakistan secures smooth US trade deal under Trump

August 8, 2025 (MLN): Virtually alone in the world, Pakistan appears to have played its cards right with President Donald Trump, becoming one of the few countries to secure a US trade deal without major hurdles unlike Switzerland, Brazil, or arch-rival India.

Initial contact between Islamabad and the Trump White House came during heightened tensions earlier this year, when India and Pakistan exchanged missile and drone strikes.

Trump announced a ceasefire welcomed by Pakistan, while India rejected his claim of brokering the truce. From that point, India’s relations with Washington deteriorated.

Pakistan, however, attracted Trump’s interest with its vast untapped gold and copper resources, fueling speculation of a potential minerals deal similar to one with Ukraine, as Bloomberg reported.

US investments followed, with Trump expressing interest in developing Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.”

Representatives of Trump-backed World Liberty Financial also visited Islamabad during the clashes, announcing a partnership as Pakistan opens up to digital currencies.

The engagement peaked with a surprise White House lunch for Army chief Asim Munir. Shortly after, Pakistan’s government said it would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

This marks a turnaround from minimal contact under the Biden administration, during which India was seen as a key US partner against China.

While Pakistan still faces climate challenges and relies on IMF support to stabilize its economy, there is optimism in Islamabad over warmer ties with the Trump administration, a development made even more satisfying as India navigates strained relations with Washington

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