Relations between Pakistan and the United States have strengthened under the Trump administration but still hold potential for deeper engagement, according to Rizwan Shaikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to the US. Borrowing from President Donald Trump’s vocabulary, he described the relationship as having “never been so good looking” in recent memory, while acknowledging that it still requires more substance.
The envoy was speaking at a symposium, organised by Pakistani students at Georgetown University, which covered a wide range of topics and featured several speakers from diverse backgrounds.
Most speakers attended the discussions in person, while some participated via video link. Ambassador Robin Raphel, a former head of the State Department’s Bureau of South Asian Affairs, said President Trump had removed the “emotionalism” that previously hindered US efforts to rebuild ties with Pakistan.