Prime Minister Imran Khan has emerged as a celebrity in the USA. On 21 July 2019, he addressed a public rally in Washington, where a crowd of 30,000 greeted him. Most of them were Pakistani origin and has been come from far-flung areas inside the USA and Canada. Few of them traveled from the UK and Europe. There was also a big crowd of Americans. Especially the young American is a fan of him and he enjoyed the status of celebrity. As a sportsman, politician, and now a celebrity, his stature has grown further high. His charming figure, attractive personality, and visionary leadership qualities made him a popular superstar in the USA.
President Trump praised him and the Pakistani nation in a very good mood. We have seen President Trump’s meetings with other world leaders like, German, French, British, Canadian etc, but the body language while meeting with PM Imran Khan was unique pleasant. It was an obvious message of trust, respect, and partnership. President Trump’s talk was out of expectation encouraging and friendly.
The net gain out of this visit was the change of perception regarding Pakistan. Pakistan’s narrative was recognized and accepted. Pakistan’s positive role and sacrifices in war on terror were acknowledged. Pakistan’s potential and the pivotal position was recognized. In fact, after the Abbottabad incident on 2 May 2011, the Western world has written-off totally. Pakistan was coerced, pressurized and maligned. Pakistan was isolated and pushed out of the mainstream. But this visit has reversed all negative perceptions and brought back into the main stream again. This visit is very important in political, diplomatic front for Pakistan.
Yet it requires a lot of homework and intensive follow-up to make this visit useful on the ground. It requires frequent contact and interaction before reaping its fruits. Both sides need to work in close coordination and reach specific agreements. In the coming days, it is expected a lot of interaction at ministerial, departmental and senior official levels between the two nations. The spirit set by the two leaders PM Imran Khan and President Trump will be observed in such interactions at all levels. Both sides will struggle to achieve the desired results in the later and spirit of meeting between the two leaders.
Pakistan may seek the US’s support in resolving its issues with FATF, IMF, World Bank, ADB, NSG, UN, and UN-organizations, International organizations and various platforms. Pakistan may seek access to American Market at preferential status, attract American investments, transfer of technology, and high-tech, cooperation is Educational sector, easy access to Pakistani students in American Universities, Internships and job opportunities for Pakistani professionals and youth, cooperation in Science, Technology, Innovation, and commercialization, etc, Industrialization and modernization of agriculture, Tourism, defense, security, training, etc.
While Pakistan opens its doors for Americans in all sector of the economy, offer them attractive incentives and concessions for hi-tech and emerging technologies. Cooperation in resolving Afghan issues, and protecting American’s interests in this region, maintaining close partnership in achieving peace and security in this region. Restoring Americans lost reputation in the Muslim world.
Both countries have a track record of cooperation and success stories during the history of almost 7 decades. We were the closest ally outside NATO, either it is in the cold-war era of war on terror. In close partnership with Pakistan, the US achieved its strategic goals in the past and it is expected any cooperation with Pakistan, will ensure that American interests will be protected. Pakistan may be a small country, economically poor, socially diversified and divided nation, but the one of the most resilient nation, brave, loyal and trust worth nation. Our geostrategic locations make out the role of the pivot and bridging the world.
PM Imran Khan and President Trump, both are straight forward, loyal with their own country, patriot, and visionary leaders. Both have a history of keeping their promises, abiding by their words, can take any hard decision, even that unpopular decisions too. The days ahead will prove the true friendship between Pakistan and the US. It is worth mentioning, our friendship is only for “Peace, Harmony and Prosperity” globally, and our relations may not be a threat to any third country.
