Pakistan has reportedly outspent India by nearly three times in lobbying efforts in Washington, United States. The New York Times reported that Islamabad paid $5 million to gain access to, and favourable deals with, US President Donald Trump and his associates.
This marks a notable shift in US-Pakistan relations since January, with Trump hosting Pakistani leaders at the White House twice this year.
Lobbying efforts yield results
The country’s lobbying strategy appears to have paid off. After signing contracts with six firms, including Seiden Law LLP and Orchid Advisors, Pakistan secured tariff relief from Trump. Initially, the US had imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistani goods, which was later reduced to 19%. In contrast, Indian tariffs were raised by 25%, bringing the total to 50%.
$500 million natural resource deal
Pakistan also signed a $500 million deal with the United States for natural mineral extraction. Michael Kugelman, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, highlighted the role of lobbyists, saying, "There were lobbyists charged with dealing with the tariff issue...then Pakistan's tariffs came down."
Trump’s approach to foreign relations has diverged sharply from that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who did not hold any phone calls with Pakistani leaders during his four-year term. Observers attribute the shift largely to Pakistan’s substantial spending on firms run by Trump confidants, which reportedly secured both access and favourable outcomes for the country.
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