An analysis of a recent exchange in which a reporter questions whether the United States should rethink Pakistan as a mediator, and President Trump replies that Pakistan is great and that the Field Marshal and Prime Minister have been absolutely great. The article frames this as a tacit reaffirmation of Islamabad's central role in the Afghan peace process, while underscoring the ambiguity of Pakistan's influence given its military and political leadership. It examines what such a statement means for US–Pakistan diplomacy, the credibility of Pakistan as a broker among regional actors, and the broader strategic balance in South Asia. The piece considers historical context, including past negotiations, security concerns, and the interplay between civilian government and military establishments in Pakistan. My assessment is that while Pakistan undeniably remains a pivotal partner in any Afghan settlement due to geography and intelligence access, relying on a single mediator risks overconcentration of influence and can obscure competing interests inside Pakistan and the region. A more resilient approach would couple Pakistan with other regional and international mediators, insist on transparent verification, and maintain parallel tracks to safeguard progress against shifting political tides.

Source: Statement from @zarrar_11PK

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Published: May 12, 2026, 8:33 pm