Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made headlines in Washington by showering praise on President Donald Trump for thwarting what he described as an imminent India-Pakistan war. At the debut ‘Board of Peace’ session, Sharif detailed how Trump’s firm stance pulled the region back from the brink of disaster.
‘Trump’s leadership brought peace to sensitive areas worldwide, including South Asia,’ Sharif stated, lauding the US President’s active diplomacy. He painted a vivid picture of averted doom, saying Trump’s efforts prevented ‘millions of deaths’ in a potential conflict between the nuclear powers.
The Pakistani leader extended support to a proposed Gaza peace initiative, stressing the need for an independent Palestinian nation free from illegal occupation. Sharif positioned this as part of broader peace efforts led by Trump, whose initiatives he predicted would be etched in history.
Sharif’s itinerary included a key sit-down with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US official commended Sharif’s backing of the Gaza plan and his role in the new peace board. Conversations inevitably covered condolences for the deadly Balochistan attacks on January 31 and the February 6 Islamabad blast.
Reiterating anti-terror commitments, Rubio and Sharif discussed deepening ties. Topics ranged from counter-terrorism collaboration to economic prospects, including Pakistan’s participation in the Critical Minerals summit and potential US investments in minerals and energy.
Despite the high-profile praise, Sharif did not secure a one-on-one with Trump. Recall Trump’s earlier assertions: he had cautioned both nations on trade repercussions amid rising tensions and personally engaged Modi to cool tempers. ‘These are powerful nuclear states; things could have gotten very dangerous,’ Trump reflected.
India-Pakistan relations remain fraught, with Kashmir as the perennial flashpoint and multiple wars in their history. Sharif’s DC remarks signal a diplomatic thaw and highlight America’s enduring role in managing South Asian stability.