At the ringing shores of Sharm el Sheikh last week, a moment unfolded that signalled a dramatic shift in Pakistan's global standing. US President Donald Trump paused his own address at the Gaza Peace Summit and handed the microphone to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, inviting him to say a few words. Remember, Shehbaz was the only leader among the 20 gathered in Egypt who Trump asked to speak. Shehbaz responded with lavish praise, calling Trump "a man of peace" and nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, thus placing Pakistan at the heart of a critical diplomatic moment in the Middle East.

The optics were unmistakable. Where once Pakistan struggled to get a hearing on the global stage, it now had one of the world's most powerful men not only acknowledging it, but essentially elevating it. Analysts in Washington believe Trump's willingness to bring Pakistan into his inner diplomatic circle may reflect a broader shift in the US foreign-policy priorities under Republican influence who values bilateral ties........

© The Express Tribune