In a surprising turn during his Washington visit, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif openly praised US President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in preventing a potential war between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ‘Board of Peace,’ Sharif credited Trump’s direct intervention with saving millions of lives in South Asia.
Sharif highlighted how Trump’s proactive diplomacy de-escalated tensions that could have spiraled into catastrophe between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. ‘President Trump’s initiative averted the risk of millions losing their lives,’ he declared, calling the American leader a ‘true messenger of peace.’ This endorsement comes amid ongoing regional frictions, particularly over Kashmir, where both nations have clashed multiple times since 1947.
During the multilateral forum, Sharif also backed a Gaza peace proposal, advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state to uphold the right to self-determination. He emphasized the plight of Palestinians under prolonged occupation and harsh conditions, urging global support for lasting resolution.
In a separate bilateral meeting, Sharif conferred with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio thanked Sharif for endorsing Trump’s Gaza plan and participating as a founding member of the Board of Peace. The discussions touched on recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan on January 31 and the Islamabad bombing on February 6, with Rubio expressing condolences.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of sustained US-Pakistan cooperation against terrorism. They also reviewed Pakistan’s involvement in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington, exploring opportunities for collaboration in essential minerals, energy sectors, and commercial investments by American firms.
Notably, no separate bilateral meeting was scheduled with President Trump during Sharif’s trip. Earlier, Trump had claimed he warned India and Pakistan against escalating conflicts, threatening to withhold trade deals and impose up to 200% tariffs if disputes persisted. He described conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called a ‘great man,’ and noted the dire risks posed by the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
While ceasefires have held in recent years, intermittent tensions keep the international community on edge. Sharif’s praise underscores Trump’s influence in stabilizing one of the world’s most volatile regions, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics.