In Focus
Donald Trump as the next US President: How does Pakistan media see it
On 6 November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Donald Trump, the newly elected President of the United States. In his post on X, PM Sharif expressed interest in working closely with the Trump administration and even fostering the Pakistan-US partnership. Other coalition government leaders, including Defence Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif, welcomed the change in the presidency.  Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and even Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari congratulated President Trump on his victory. In his message, Zardari termed the Republican Party’s win an “anti-war mandate.” In his post on X, he wrote: “We hope the new administration will prioritize peace and help end the cycle of perpetual global conflict.” Even the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s National Assembly member, Omar Ayub Khan congratulated President Trump and vice-president J D Vance for their win.

Given the historical partnership between the two countries, and the various ups and downs in the relationship experienced over the years, it is not surprising that the US election has generated such interest in Pakistan. Here are some on the perspectives from the Pakistani media:

Dawn
US-Pakistan “lukewarm ties” to continue after Trump’s win, argues an editorial in Dawn
An editorial in Dawn titled “Trump 2.0” discussed some of the reasons for Donald Trump’s win in the US elections. Acknowledging that much of Trump’s politics is “divisive,” the editorial conceded that he has “engineered a remarkable return to the top of the American power structure.” His win is remarkable as it comes despite “his Felony convictions, assassination attempts, and a lack of coherent policy prescriptions.” The editorial argued that there are four major reasons for Trump’s return to power: inflationary pressures in the US, former president Joe Biden terming Trump supporters “garbage,” a failure on the part of the Democrats and the mainstream media to understand what was fuelling “Trumpism” and finally the US’s “unconditional support” to Israel under the Biden administration. The editorial highlighted that the Arab and Muslim voters in the swing states possibly voted for Trump not in support of the Republican party (as they are also pro-Israel) but in order to punish Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The editorial also pointed out the tough road ahead for Trump, especially when the dust from the win has settled and he would be expected to deliver on his promises. The editorial identified the challenges that Trump would face: reducing inflation and bring back jobs to America and ending the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Given his pro-Tel Aviv stance, and his commitment to ending forever wars, Trump would have to walk a tightrope on this foreign policy front. As far as the implications for the US Pakistan relations are concerned, the editorial argued that the “lukewarm ties” between the two countries are likely to continue, with no significant change on the horizon.

The News International
An editorial in The News International titled “Trump is back,” also termed Donald Trump’s return to power as “remarkable,” given that he has won back “key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia, and securing a victory over Kamala Harris.” Highlighting the fact that now all branches of the government are effectively under Republican control, the editorial argued that this is “a seismic moment for the US.” The editorial also referenced Trump’s “notably subdued and surprisingly somewhat gracious” victory speech and argued that this indicates “a conscious pivot.” What his second term in office will look like, however, remains uncertain. The editorial also pointed out some “missteps” in the Democrats’ election strategy: mid-campaign switching of candidates, a focus on anti-Trumpism rather than core issues affecting the domestic population, and unabashed support for Israel. Additionally, the Democrats failed to address “a well of discontent” that has plagued the American political landscape: “rising prices, economic uncertainty, and immigration challenges.” This environment “amplified by a hyper-polarized media landscape” created space for Trump to bring back his brand of populism. The editorial suggested that the Democratic Party must “now undertake a deep introspection, examining why they prioritized satisfying donors and internal power structures over listening to their base.” The editorial opined that Trump’s domestic win will likely have ripple effects beyond borders given his strained relationship with European allies, his less interventionist approach towards the war in Ukraine and a similar level of support if not more for Israel. However, the editorial stressed that the most “profound” implications will be domestic, “especially for marginalized communities and undocumented immigrants.” Further, Republican control over all branches of the government during his second term will have “unprecedented latitude to push through a conservative agenda.” Despite Trump’s conciliatory tone in victory speech calling for unity, the editorial expressed skepticism over the longevity of this “façade.” Further, if the democrats do not learn their lessons and “recalibrate around the concerns of ordinary Americans, this election may indeed become a watershed moment, signaling a potential long-term shift in American political dynamics.”

References
“PM Shehbaz looks forward to working with new US admin,” Dawn, 7 November 2024
“Trump 2.0,” Dawn, 7 November 2024
“Trump is back,” The News International, 7 November 2024