Pakistan‘s Unexpected Role in Crisis Diplomacy

By Giuseppe Gagliano, President of teh Centro Studi Strategici Carlo De Cristoforis (Côme, Italy)

in 2025, pakistan returned to the center of crisis diplomacy. It’s no longer a secondary power balancing prudence and economic survival,but through Field Marshal Asim Munir,head of the army and now an informal advisor to the White House on the Iranian issue. This improbable situation arose from a series of events that profoundly reconfigured regional balances: a swift confrontation with India, the escalation between Israel and Iran, growing tensions in the Gulf, and the Trump management’s tendency to rely on figures outside traditional diplomatic channels to manage the most explosive files.

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Munir’s ascent began in spring.Renewed tension on the line of control between India and Pakistan escalated into artillery exchanges, mortar fire, and aggressive maneuvers in May. The crisis threatened to become open conflict.Munir acted with composure, impressing Washington. He was promoted to Field Marshal – only the second in Pakistani history – and caught the attention of Donald Trump, who hosted him at the White House in June for a private lunch without entourages, diplomats, or a script. Trump, known for his showmanship, called him his “favorite marshal,” even suggesting a Nobel Peace Prize candidacy for having “avoided a major war in Asia.”

Behind the rhetoric lies a realignment. The United States seeks a counterweight to India, especially as relations with New Delhi strain due to trade disputes and India’s growing ties with China and Russia.Pakistan, facing more lenient American tariffs than India and eager to regain international importance, suddenly appears as a useful partner. in return, Washington offered a significant diplomatic gesture: the inclusion of the Balochistan Liberation Army on the list of te