From Foreign Policy · Michael Kugelman · · 2m
Trump Shifts U.S.-Pakistan Ties
Trump's business deals with Pakistan could reshape U.S. ties but face political uncertainty.
In brief
Trump's business deals with Pakistan could reshape U.S. ties but face political uncertainty. Trump's administration has prioritized economic ties with Pakistan through a $4.4 billion LNG project, but Democratic control of Congress may undermine the relationship. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
U.S. Mulls LNG Project in Pakistan
A proposed $4.4 billion liquefied natural gas project in Port Qasim near Karachi would be Pakistan's first LNG storage facility.
Trump Administration Prioritizes Pakistan
The U.S. has shifted focus from security to economic ties with Pakistan, including pushing for U.S. crude oil imports and ending a soybean export ban.
Pakistan's Economic Opportunities
Pakistan has capitalized on U.S. interest in its critical minerals and cryptocurrency resources, offering to build a port on the Arabian Sea.
Midterm Elections Impact
With Democrats controlling both houses of Congress starting in January, U.S. business deals with Pakistan face increased scrutiny.
Political Uncertainty
Pakistan's leaders express curiosity about improved U.S. ties but worry about their sustainability due to Trump's unpredictability.
U.S. Policy Review Needed
The U.S. last officially updated its Pakistan policy in August 2017, highlighting the need for a formal review of bilateral relations.
LNG Project Details
The project includes a 680-mile delivery pipeline and is backed by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, International Development Finance Corp., and Export-Import Bank.
Economic Ties Under Scrutiny
The Trump administration's commercial focus on Pakistan is driven by presidential whims and family economic interests, but may not last beyond his term.
Historical Context
Bilateral ties were downgraded after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, shifting from a security-focused approach to economic engagement.
U.S. Energy Policy Shift
The U.S. has pushed for Pakistan to import more energy supplies, including receiving its first shipment of U.S. crude oil in October 2025.
Political Challenges
Pakistan's leaders fear the relationship may not survive Trump's lame-duck period and a Democratic Congress.
U.S. Policy Review
The U.S. needs to conduct a formal review of its Pakistan policy to ensure stability amid political changes in both countries.
The takeaway
Trump's administration has prioritized economic ties with Pakistan through a $4.4 billion LNG project, but Democratic control of Congress may undermine the relationship.
