The Centre for Strategic Perspectives at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a roundtable on November 5, 2025 with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to discuss recent developments in US Pakistan ties under the second Trump Administration.
The session brought together former ambassadors, senior diplomats, heads of think tanks, academics, practitioners and area experts for a wide-ranging exchange on bilateral cooperation and regional challenges. Participants examined how shifting global dynamics have influenced the trajectory of US Pakistan ties in 2025.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, described the relationship as long and resilient, shaped by periods of cooperation and divergence but consistently vital for both capitals. He said the relationship has entered a new phase this year driven by a changed U.S. administration, a rapidly transforming global environment and Pakistan’s heightened salience across South Asia, West Asia and the Middle East.
Ambassador Mahmood emphasised a pragmatic turn in ties under the current U.S. administration, highlighting convergence on enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation, support for peace in Afghanistan and measures aimed at crisis prevention in South Asia. He also pointed to growing economic engagement, citing emerging U.S. investment interest in Pakistan’s energy, minerals, agriculture and IT sectors and initiatives such as a Pakistan–U.S. Education and IT Corridor alongside DFC cooperation.
Speakers expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in technology, education, climate resilience and sustainable development, and they stressed the need to move beyond the cyclical patterns of the past toward a broad-based, multifaceted and sustainable relationship. The forum returned repeatedly to the need for deeper institutional ties to stabilise and advance US Pakistan ties over the long term.
The question and answer session covered bilateral economic collaboration, the situation in Afghanistan, prospects for peace and strategic stability in South Asia, the conflict in the Middle East and developments across the Asia-Pacific. The exchanges underlined a shared interest in pragmatic, forward-looking policies that reinforce regional stability and mutual prosperity.
The meeting concluded with Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, presenting a memento to the guest speaker followed by a group photograph, underscoring the continuing dialogue aimed at strengthening US Pakistan ties.
