President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Mike Pompeo will not be part of his new administration has dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s military establishment. Pompeo, who played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy as CIA director and Secretary of State, was a key ally for Pakistan’s military elite. This setback is particularly significant for General Asim Munir’s regime, which had invested heavily in a U.S.-based lobbying firm to counter human rights allegations and bolster its international image.
JUST IN — Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley will not be part of the Trump administration. pic.twitter.com/q72Fai6rhC
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) November 9, 2024
Pompeo’s Influence and Its Impact on Pakistan’s Lobbying Efforts
Pompeo’s exclusion marks a major loss for Pakistan’s military, which had formed a strategic alliance with Stephen Payne, a U.S. lobbyist and business partner of Pompeo. Pakistan’s military-backed government hired Payne’s firm, Team Eagle Consulting, to influence U.S. policy, improve the current government’s global image, and address mounting allegations of human rights violations under General Munir. The Pakistani regime’s investment of Rs 41.61 crore ($1.5 million) into this lobbying effort now faces major setbacks, as Pompeo’s absence weakens Payne’s ability to facilitate these objectives.
BREAKING: Major setback for the military regime in Rawalpindi, which had invested $1.5 million in stolen taxpayer money into lobbyist Steve Payne, a longtime business partner of neocon Mike Pompeo https://t.co/eGYIC6AJhS pic.twitter.com/srS6fxsseR
— Coalition to Change U.S. Policy on Pakistan (CUSP) (@CUSPcoalition) November 10, 2024
In October, Pakistani-British journalist Dr. Moeed Pirzada revealed that Pakistan’s military establishment, through a think-tank affiliated with the National Security Division (NSD), had contracted Team Eagle Consulting, with Payne seen as a key conduit to U.S. policymakers. His close ties with Mike Pompeo had been viewed as essential for advancing Pakistan’s interests in Washington, particularly concerning the military’s narrative and handling of political dissent. The goal was to address international criticisms of General Munir’s regime.
As mentioned in @MoeedNj vlog yesterday, General Asim Munir has hired American lobbying firm to improve his badly tarnished reputation (due to obvious reasons!) in US.
Here is the proof / copy of Agreement signed between Government of Pakistan (using cover company Islamabad… pic.twitter.com/4Ix62Lhl1R
— Jehanzeb Paracha (@JehanzebParacha) October 23, 2024
In a statement, Stephen Payne said,“It is an honor to reignite our partnership with Pakistan at such a pivotal time. As one of the original architects of this program, I am confident we can help Pakistan navigate complex global challenges and build a more secure and lasting prosperous relationship between our two countries.”
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However, Pompeo’s exclusion significantly hampers the lobbying effort, leaving Payne without his most influential ally. Pompeo’s strong support for military interests and geopolitical dynamics had made him a critical figure for Pakistan’s military-backed government, and his absence casts doubt on the future effectiveness of the lobbying campaign.
The Financial Commitment and Public Scrutiny
The annual bill of $1.5 million for lobbying also sparked public outrage, with critics arguing that taxpayer money could be better used to address Pakistan’s pressing issues such as poverty, inflation, and corruption, instead of financing a high-cost political campaign aimed at deflecting human rights concerns. Former diplomat and Political analyst Maleeha Lodhi took to twitter to express her views.
Isn’t an explanation warranted ? A govt-funded Think Tank hiring a lobbyist? If its public money, which it must be, then an explanation is even more necessary.
Islamabad think tank hires US lobbyist for $1.5m a year https://t.co/VqhRut6MFt— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) October 26, 2024
Additionally, the hiring of Payne’s firm raised alarms among those advocating for democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Critics from the Pakistani diaspora have long condemned General Munir’s regime for political suppression, media censorship, and judicial interference. These issues have attracted significant attention from international human rights organizations, making it harder for Pakistan to present itself as a democratic state. Without Pompeo’s backing, the lobbying efforts seem even less likely to succeed.
Read More: Has Pakistan Army Hired a New Expensive Lobbyist in Washington?
With Pompeo now excluded from the picture, Pakistan’s military establishment faces an uncertain future in reshaping U.S. perceptions. Payne’s weakened position, coupled with Trump’s ties to the illegally incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, places General Munir’s lobbying strategy on fragile ground. The once-promising goal of improving U.S.-Pakistan relations and countering international scrutiny now seems increasingly distant.