ISLAMABAD (PEN) : President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening U.S. engagement with Pakistan while promoting peace and stability in the region, especially following the recent Pakistan-India military standoff.
Kapur Signals Focus on Security, Trade, and Regional Stability
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kapur pledged to support robust security cooperation with both Pakistan and India, and to explore avenues for expanding bilateral trade and investment with Islamabad. “If confirmed, I will continue to promote longstanding U.S. security interests with Pakistan and India through the pursuit of peace and stability, and the fight against terrorism,” said Kapur, a prominent U.S. academic of Indian origin.
He also expressed concern over potential instability in Afghanistan, stating he would work to ensure the country does not become a “terrorism launchpad” again. “If confirmed, I’ll support efforts to bring home detained Americans in Afghanistan and work to prevent the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad again,” he noted.
Reflects on Recent Indo-Pak Conflict
Kapur referenced the recent 87-hour military escalation between Pakistan and India, which followed the deadly Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan, triggering retaliatory strikes. The conflict escalated with Pakistan launching Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing several Indian drones and six fighter jets, including three Rafales.
The hostilities concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, in which President Trump and other senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, played key roles. Kapur acknowledged this diplomatic effort, noting the region had narrowly avoided a full-scale war.
Pakistan’s Global Diplomatic Response
In the aftermath, Pakistan has launched a global diplomatic outreach to counter India’s narrative. A high-level parliamentary delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has visited the U.S. and U.K., meeting with UN officials, U.S. lawmakers, and other stakeholders.
The delegation—comprising Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari—is advocating Pakistan’s position on the conflict and the broader Kashmir dispute.
Trump Open to Mediation in Kashmir Dispute
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that President Trump has expressed willingness to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve outstanding issues, including Kashmir. “President Trump went a step further by offering to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues,” Bruce stated in response to questions about a recent meeting between Under Secretary Allison Hooker and Pakistan’s delegation.
Trump echoed this sentiment on his Truth Social platform, signaling openness to facilitate dialogue if both parties agree. While Pakistan has welcomed the offer, India has maintained its longstanding position that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue.
A Shift in Tone Post-Donald Lu Controversy
Kapur’s nomination follows Donald Lu, who previously held the position and was entangled in controversy after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan accused him of involvement in a “foreign conspiracy” that led to Khan’s ouster via a no-confidence vote in 2022. The new nominee’s more conciliatory tone, alongside President Trump’s praise for Pakistan’s leadership as “very strong,” marks a possible reset in Washington-Islamabad ties.
