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Relations with Pakistan have suddenly improved under the second government of US President Donald Trump. Earlier Trump used to call Pakistan a country of ‘lies and deception’, but now he calls the Pak Army Chief his ‘favourite Field Marshal’.
According to the American newspaper The New York Times, Pakistan has spent crores of rupees for this change. Pakistan signed contracts worth $5 million (about Rs 42 crore) with several lobbying firms in Washington in the months of April and May this year.
Pakistan gave credit to Trump for stopping the India-Pakistan conflict and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. While PM Modi refused to give credit, which angered Trump.
Apart from this, Pakistan signed a $500 million mineral extraction deal and opened the market for American agricultural products.
Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir had reached the White House in September, where he showed Trump a briefcase full of rare earth minerals.
Pakistan made a deal with Trump’s close associates
The firms with which Pakistan dealt also included some people who had previously been close associates of Donald Trump, such as his former business partner and bodyguard Keith Schiller.
On April 8, Pakistan signed a contract with lobbying firm ‘Seiden Law LLP’, in which it was promised that bilateral level meetings would be arranged in the White House of Pakistan. After this, another agreement was signed on 24 April.
Just a few weeks later, Pakistani Army Asim Munir visited Washington where he himself had a private meeting with President Trump at the White House.
Keith Schiller has been a long-time bodyguard and close aide of Donald Trump. They are famous for their loyalty and silence.
Benefit to Pakistan- Tariff reduced, relations improved
According to the report, it was only after these lobbying contracts that America’s stance softened towards Pakistan. In April, Trump had imposed 29% tariff on Pakistan. Just four months later, it was reduced to 19%, while for India it was increased to 50%.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said that Pakistan has been an important partner of America against terrorism. Under the leadership of President Trump, Pakistan has played a positive role in ending the India-Pakistan conflict and increasing economic cooperation.
On this matter, Michael Kugelman, director of the East South Asia Institute, said-
These dots get connected themselves. Lobbyists work on tariffs, then Pakistan’s tariffs get reduced. Contract on economic cooperation, then mineral and energy deals. Pakistan’s cleverness combined many factors and made this turnaround.
Difficulties increased for India
India also tried to increase lobbying, but spent three times less than Pakistan. India hired US firms like ‘SHW Partners LLC’ in April and ‘Mercury Public Affairs’ in August, which have links to former Trump advisors.
Despite this, the Trump administration’s policies remained tilted in favor of Pakistan, further increasing tensions between the two countries.
Understand how a lobbyist works
A lobbyist is a person who influences government policies, laws and decisions. It advocates on behalf of a group, business or individual. It uses data, communications, and personal relationships to influence government decisions.
Understand the work of a lobbyist as if a pharmaceutical company wants the government to quickly approve its new medicine. Now the company itself cannot meet the minister directly, so it hires a lobbyist.
This lobbyist meets politicians and officials and presents the company’s point of view, makes them understand that this medicine is necessary, it will be beneficial for the people, etc. In return the company gives him money.
In simple words, a lobbyist is a bridge between the government and private companies, who wants the benefit of his client.
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