Business News: U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a blunt message regarding Pakistan's internal power dynamics. By inviting Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir to the White House while entirely sidelining Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Trump made it evident who he considers the real decision-maker in Pakistan. This diplomatic move not only raises questions about Pakistan's democratic integrity but also reflects Trump’s preference for dealing directly with centers of actual power rather than symbolic civilian leadership.
Strategic Move or Business-Driven Diplomacy?
Donald Trump is well known for his transactional and pragmatic approach to foreign policy. When he perceives a country’s elected leadership as weak or ineffective, he tends to bypass traditional diplomatic protocols and engage directly with the influential power centers. In Pakistan, this has long been the military establishment. Trump’s recent outreach to General Munir appears to follow this same logic—one that may also serve his personal business ambitions, particularly in the fast-growing cryptocurrency sector.
The Trump Family’s Expanding Crypto Footprint
Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s son, recently launched a venture called “American Bitcoin” in collaboration with crypto mining firm Hut 8. The venture aims to establish large-scale bitcoin mining operations, with an eye on long-term investment benefits and a presence on Wall Street. As reported by The New York Times, Eric stated that the company would benefit directly from policies shaped by his father’s influence and business-friendly stance.
Donald Trump is already active in the crypto space, having released NFT collections (Trump Digital Trading Cards) that have generated significant revenue. During his presidency, Trump also took a more lenient stance toward crypto regulation, halting certain SEC actions and advocating for laws favorable to the industry.
Pakistan’s Strategic Crypto Potential
Following the White House meeting, Pakistan's military issued a statement noting Trump’s keen interest in forging a commercial partnership with Pakistan. The two reportedly discussed collaboration in counterterrorism, economic development, mining, energy, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies.
Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis has made it eager to attract foreign investment. Its low-cost energy resources, including hydropower, position it as a potentially ideal location for energy-intensive bitcoin mining. With the military wielding significant influence over national policy, Pakistan could craft crypto-friendly regulations, appealing to American investors—particularly those aligned with Trump’s network.
Positioning Pakistan as a New Crypto Hub
Given China’s ban on crypto mining and trading, the U.S. may be looking to counterbalance Beijing’s regional influence. Under Trump’s leadership or influence, Pakistan could emerge as a low-cost, strategically located crypto hub in Asia. Such a development would align with Trump’s “America First” philosophy and his geopolitical opposition to Chinese dominance.
A New Politics-Business Alliance
Trump’s choice to meet General Asim Munir instead of engaging with Pakistan’s elected government is telling. It reflects a deliberate strategy—prioritizing engagement with real power when aligned with personal or political business objectives. The synergy between Pakistan’s economic desperation and Trump’s crypto ambitions signals the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership. If policies align, Pakistan could soon become a key crypto ally, bolstered by the backing of Trump-linked investors and infrastructure.
