ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and global observers welcomed former US President Donald Trump’s renewed offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute, days after a US-brokered ceasefire eased tensions between Pakistan and India following heavy cross-border military clashes. Trump’s remarks on Truth Social praising the leadership of both countries and offering to help resolve the decades-old issue were met with widespread appreciation.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office acknowledged the US role in facilitating the ceasefire and reiterated that any lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict must align with UN Security Council resolutions and ensure the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The FO also expressed Islamabad’s intent to expand its partnership with Washington, particularly in trade and investment.
In his post, Trump credited India and Pakistan for stepping back from the brink, stating that millions of lives were potentially saved. He also pledged to increase trade with both nations and signaled his readiness to pursue a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, calling it a possible “legacy win.”
Former diplomat Abdul Basit and analyst Huma Baqai both lauded Trump’s acknowledgment of Kashmir’s centrality in regional instability. Basit said Trump’s recognition of Kashmir as the root issue was “commendable,” while Baqai called the remarks “a breath of fresh air.”
South Asia expert Michael Kugelman noted that Trump’s current approach went further than his past mediation suggestions by explicitly emphasizing a solution. Journalist Hamid Mir and Senator Sherry Rehman also welcomed the comments, with Rehman describing Trump’s stance as a rare opportunity to resolve one of the world’s longest-running conflicts.
The diplomatic overture from Trump comes at a time when Pakistan has been actively seeking international engagement to address regional tensions. However, the success of any mediation effort remains uncertain without formal consent from India.
