The soft power used by United States of America (USA) influenced international relations for many decades, especially in the developing world. As a result, the bureaucratic and elite classes from majority of Third World countries aligned with it. This inclination was not only because of its economic supremacy and leadership in world’s institutions, but also because of its cultural appeal and the scholarships it offered in educational and professional domains.
The Silicon Valley and top US universities emerged as cultural and intellectual hubs for students and professionals from all over the world
Between 1990 and 2006, America, as the sole superpower, exhibited unmatched influence through alliances, soft power and economic dominance. During Cold War era, it got the title of uncontested leader of the liberal world order. The Silicon Valley and top US universities emerged as cultural and intellectual hubs for students and professionals from all over the world. It not only attracted the best minds from the West but also from the East, reinforcing its global standing. Among its many allies, Pakistan secured an important place within its strategic orbit through military aid, economic collaboration, and educational exchanges. Despite that, the relationship has been fragile and experienced fluctuations over time because of shifting geopolitical priorities.
In contemporary politics, the Trump administration’s policies are challenging this relationship. Many policy shifts including tightening immigration laws, restricting academic exchanges with Islamabad, and reducing budgets for research and development collaborations are signals for Pakistan to accelerate economic and strategic orientation towards China. These policies mark a significant shift from previous decades, during which professional and academic relations with the US played a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s elite and policy circles.
Pakistan is among 26 nations that may face partial, if not fully, visa suspensions, unless their respective governments address certain deficiencies within 60 days
President Trump, on January 20, 2025, issued an executive order which mandated intensified security vetting for foreigners entering America. This order led to the consideration of new travel restrictions which may affect citizens from 41 countries, including Pakistan. Later, a leaked memo categorized these countries into three groups, Pakistan is among 26 nations that may face partial, if not fully, visa suspensions, unless their respective governments address certain deficiencies within 60 days. On March 15, 2025, another condition was reported by the US media. It said that the US may give Pakistan 60 days to address security concerns and avoid potential travel restrictions, although certain limitations may still remain. These moves echo the administration’s earlier travel bans targeting several majority-Muslim nations, further straining diplomatic relations.
The potential visa ban carries serious repercussions for both countries. Pakistan, already wary of America’s Indo-Pacific policy that designates India as a strategic partner, will perceive this move as further diplomatic isolation from the US. Additionally, public sentiment in Pakistan – already depreciated – will likely harden against the US, reinforcing the perception that Washington is an exclusionary power rather than the leader of the neoliberal world order.
This suspension has placed 530 Pakistani students, who were beneficiaries of the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme from flood-affected regions, in financial distress
Perhaps the most significant impact will be on Pakistani students, researchers, and professionals in the US. According to a report by The News (February 4, 2025), the US has suspended $845 million in USAID projects in Pakistan. Among these, 39 projects in health, education, agriculture, and governance have been halted. This suspension has placed 530 Pakistani students, who were beneficiaries of the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme from flood-affected regions, in financial distress, limiting their ability to continue higher education. If the visa and travel ban is implemented, currently enrolled students will also face significant hurdles in completing their studies, further exacerbating the situation.
The suspension of these programmes diminishes US soft power and may lead to an increased anti-American sentiment within Pakistan’s academic and policymaking circles
Moreover, potential travel restrictions deter Pakistani students and professionals from seeking opportunities in the US, thereby reducing American influence in Pakistani state and society. Historically, academic exchanges have fostered mutual understanding and goodwill, serving as a cornerstone of diplomatic relations. The suspension of these programmes diminishes US soft power and may lead to an increased anti-American sentiment within Pakistan’s academic and policymaking circles. This, in turn, could limit US influence over Pakistani policymakers, potentially affecting long-term diplomatic ties.
The academic collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities have led to the establishment of several China Study Centers
In response to diminishing opportunities in America, Pakistan has been strengthening its academic and research collaborations with China. The China-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor and the academic collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities have led to the establishment of several China Study Centres at universities across Pakistan. These Centres have initiated joint research projects, language training programmes, talent cultivation initiatives, cultural activities, and joint conferences, workshops, and exhibitions, further integrating the two nations academically and intellectually.
The number of Pakistani students in China in 2024 has risen to 27,000, including over 1,100 postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists
To deepen collaboration, another initiative, the “Alliance of China-Pakistan Research Centres,” has been launched. It aims to foster strong academic ties and create a roadmap for future research and knowledge-sharing initiatives, thereby strengthening Pakistan-China relations. Additionally, joint research initiatives between Pakistani and Chinese universities, supported by their respective higher education authorities, continue to expand. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, there were only 10,164 Pakistani students enrolled in the US, whereas the number of Pakistani students in China in 2024 has risen to 27,000, including over 1,100 postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists. This number is expected to increase further in coming years.
Consequently, as Pakistan’s academic and research ties with China strengthen, China gains influence over Pakistan’s future policymakers. The Trump administration’s recent actions -tightening immigration policies, restricting academic exchanges, and cutting research funding – are reframing US-Pakistan relations. Fewer Pakistanis in the US mean fewer Pakistani voices in American policymaking circles. These policies not only risk alienating a key regional player but also inadvertently drive Pakistan closer to China, reshaping regional alignments in the process.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
