Islamabad: Islamabad has pulled off an unexpected diplomatic turnaround in Washington, analysts say, navigating Donald Trump's second term with unusual skill. Once accused by Trump of 'deceit' and harboring terrorists, Pakistan has now emerged as a surprising partner as U.S.-India ties falter.

In recent months, Pakistan has won lower tariffs, joint plans for energy exploration, and closer counterterrorism cooperation - including Washington's designation of the Baluchistan Liberation Army as a terrorist group. Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir's direct outreach, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's lobbying, and Pakistan's ties with Trump's personal and business networks have all played key roles.

Trump even praised Pakistan's role in helping capture an Islamic State figure and invited Munir for a rare private lunch at the White House. Meanwhile, Pakistan nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize after he claimed to broker a ceasefire with India.

Analysts caution the gains may be fragile, as Pakistan's economic weaknesses, security risks, and dependence on China could limit progress. Still, for now, Pakistan appears to have mastered what one observer called 'the protocol of the court of Donald Trump.'