A prominent international financial newspaper has highlighted Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as one of the most sharp strategic thinkers in the current complex global landscape, commending his skill in navigating competing powers and leveraging the unorthodox approach of US President Donald Trump.
In a recent column, the Financial Times examined the future role of middle-sized countries facing growing uncertainty as traditional power structures weaken and global alliances become increasingly fluid and unpredictable.
The article argues that countries like Pakistan can no longer rely on fixed alliances and must instead adapt quickly to survive amid rising competition between global powers.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
Within this context, the Financial Times presented Field Marshal Asim Munir as a standout figure who has successfully positioned Pakistan between competing international interests without becoming overly dependent on any single partner.
The column describes Munir as a modern “multi-aligner,” capable of maintaining functional relationships with rival capitals while safeguarding Pakistan’s strategic autonomy and national interests.
According to the analysis, Pakistan under Munir has remained actively engaged with the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran simultaneously, reflecting a carefully balanced diplomatic approach.
The Financial Times particularly noted Munir’s understanding of former US President Donald Trump’s unconventional and highly personal leadership style during his time in office.
READ: Who is Arif Habib? The Business Tycoon behind PIA’s Rs 135 bln acquisition
It said Munir recognised early that Trump responded strongly to personal rapport, praise, and transactional diplomacy, allowing Pakistan to secure attention and strategic space in Washington.
At a time when many governments struggled to interpret shifting US signals, Pakistan was able to navigate relations more effectively by adjusting its diplomatic tone and messaging.
The column places this strategy within a broader global trend, where middle powers across Asia and the Middle East face pressure from US-China rivalry and changing security commitments.
In such an environment, the paper argues, success depends on leaders who can think quickly, act flexibly, and avoid being trapped in rigid alliances.
The Financial Times suggests that Asim Munir strategic leadership reflects this adaptability, enabling Pakistan to remain relevant despite global instability and competing power blocs.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
While the article mentions other regional states struggling with the changing order, Pakistan is portrayed as a rare example of effective strategic positioning.
The paper notes that Pakistan has managed to extract diplomatic leverage by engaging multiple partners without alienating others, a difficult balance in today’s divided world.
This approach, it says, has allowed Islamabad to protect its interests while avoiding isolation or excessive dependence during a volatile international phase.
The analysis concludes that in an unpredictable era, countries led by agile and pragmatic leadership are better placed to protect sovereignty and influence outcomes.
