Pakistan, Oct. 21 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump have reignited diplomatic debate. What began as a routine round of engagements evolved into a defining moment for Pakistan's foreign policy, reflecting a renewed confidence on the international stage. The meetings in Washington, New York, and Sharm El Sheikh were less about protocol and more about positioning, a calculated effort to reestablish Pakistan's relevance in an increasingly complex global order.

In Washington, every detail appeared deliberate. When Sharif arrived at the White House in late September 2025, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the message was clear. Pakistan's political and military leadership stood alig...