The USA and Israel attacks on Iran have backfired, albeit with massive losses of lives, material, and infrastructure. Donald Trump, whose every sentence includes the word “great” finally succumbed to the huge backlash from Congressmen and Senators as well as the American public and the hot air has been released from the balloon.
Spurred by Netanyahu with full support of the US military-industrial complex, fearing the loss of Republican majority in Congress (recent victory of Democrats in the constituency where his Mar-a-Lago is based), and the danger of desertions by many in the Armed Forces, Trump was seriously looking for a face-saving retreat. Hence the May Day call to his “favorite Field Marshal”.
The cave began collapsing when Pentagon demanded USD 200 billion to fight the war and replenish what was spent to attack Iran or was destroyed by Iran. This was the red flag that the American citizens saw and soon there was a shift from mild support to intense opposition.
According to Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor during the Clinton administration, this amount could provide medical care to over twenty five million for the whole year, free school lunch for every child in the US with USD 170 billion leftover, and covering childcare expenses for around fifteen million for the year.
More ominously boutiques, corner grocery stores, car showrooms, salons, hardware stores, tourist guides, local newspapers, travel agents, gas stations, etc, are closing down or facing low sales ensuing into giving pink slips to employees.
At the same time, high inflation, mortgage payments, education fees, and taxes, etc., will be unbearable. Ordinary citizens will be hard pressed on discharging their financial commitments.
Walmart CEO John Furner, sensing a troubling shift in consumer behaviour, said that “lower-income households are feeling increasingly squeezed”. Will it be another 1929? A Greater Depression? Mind boggling. An economic implosion.
A golden opportunity fell onto the laps of Pakistani decision-makers. A flurry of diplomatic activities immediately commenced and Turkiye and Egypt jumped on the bandwagon. Malaysia should have been included too, representing Islamic countries in Far East. Ending hostilities and saving global economy are keywords. Premier Shehbaz Sharif got into full gear and had long, meaningful telecons with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, leading the initiative, sensitized the Royals of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The positive responses led to the landing of ministers from Saudi Arabia Turkiye and Egypt in Islamabad to kowtow and come to a logical, lasting, and pragmatic agreement.
As expected, a brouhaha exploded in the land of Modi. The vitriolic and jingoism regurgitated daily by Indian TV anchors and talk show panelists who never tired of calling Pakistan a hub of terrorism, a rogue state, and a failed economy, suddenly changed their stance and started blaming the Modi government for its inability to play a positive role in ending the war.
Naturally, Modi is beholden to India’s Fatherland as well as protecting the mega stakes in Israel of his close friend Gautam Adani. He did not even offer condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, afraid to displease Netanyahu, and possibly sending a message to the White House that he will continue to prostrate at the altar of Trump Administration. This was not received positively in Tehran, and Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran in New Delhi, thanked the Indian people and officials, not the government, for their condolences and solidarity following the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader. He expressed appreciation for the condolences and sympathy shown by ordinary Indians and even academics and media.
Pakistan has proved her importance and strength in the last ten months. The bashing of India, especially her Pride of Air Force, spectacularly exposed the vulnerabilities and capability.
Despite exhibiting bravado at public rallies, the truth could not be hidden and except for his diehard followers, he was openly criticized by Opposition, media, and civil society. He had to retreat into his cave and announce a “pause” in Operation Sindoor. The Hindutva bubble popped out with a whimper.
On the western front, radical Taliban government ignored all calls to rein in the terrorist groups that are using Afghanistan as a base to commit terrorist activities in Pakistan. Islamabad decided that it was time to teach Kabul a lesson.
Trade was suspended, APTTA was paused, clear warnings issued, but the Afghan administration, possibly encouraged by New Delhi, paid no heed and began to attack maniacally. The response was swift and lethal and soon the Taliban leaders were on their knees begging for mercy. Eid was used to bring about a cessation, and it is assumed that this ceasefire would continue.
Again, the superiority, valour, and capability of the Pakistan Army and Air Force was displayed for the global community. With Chahbahar Port closed, India is not in a position to ship arms and commodities to Afghanistan.
Providence has brought Pakistan on center stage and therefore a successful agreement would enhance Pakistan’s prestige and reputation that it is truly a peaceful nation. It will boost the morale of other South Asian countries that are wary of the machination of India to impose her hegemonic designs in the region. Afghanistan has retreated and is willing to come to the table.
Pakistan may be able to extract a pledge from Trump that he will allow Iran and Pakistan to trade and, maybe, the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline would be a reality. A revisit of the tariff structure for Pakistan would be a big welcome for exporters. Pakistan would be hailed as a great nation by consumers all over the world (including grudgingly by Indian consumers).
The golden words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of Pakistan, will resonate loudly. He stated, “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation, and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
The writer is President Employers Federation of Pakistan
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