Washington D.C. – In a striking diplomatic gesture, U.S. President Donald Trump has heaped praise on Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, calling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir “incredible” for backing his newly announced 20-point Gaza peace plan.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump said Pakistan “stood firmly and early” with his initiative aimed at halting escalating violence in Gaza. “They backed this 100 percent,” the president told reporters, extending his thanks to Islamabad while listing a roster of Arab and Muslim nations that have also endorsed his proposal.
A Pivot in Relations
The remarks signal a sharp warming of ties between Washington and Islamabad. Only months ago, Pakistan was struggling with strained relations and economic uncertainty. But recent moves suggest a recalibration.
- In July, the two countries signed a trade agreement establishing a 19% tariff framework for Pakistani exports.
- Just last week, Prime Minister Sharif held talks with Trump, urging U.S. investors to look toward Pakistan’s agriculture, mining, energy, and technology sectors.
Military Dimension
Trump’s specific praise for Field Marshal Asim Munir, elevated earlier this year to Pakistan’s highest-ever military rank, underscores the role of the armed forces in shaping the country’s foreign engagements. Munir’s recent visit to Washington, where he held direct talks with U.S. officials, was viewed as a turning point in security cooperation.
“The general has been tremendous,” Trump said, crediting Munir for supporting peace efforts that “could save millions of lives.”
Broader Strategy
Analysts suggest Trump’s warm words are part of a wider diplomatic play. By securing Pakistan’s support, Washington aims to shore up legitimacy for its Gaza peace plan across the Muslim world. Alongside Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, and Indonesia have also voiced endorsement.
“This isn’t just about Gaza,” one senior official remarked. “It’s about re-establishing trust with key partners in South Asia.”
Reactions and Implications
In Islamabad, the praise is expected to bolster the government’s standing at home while reinforcing the military’s central role in diplomacy. Critics, however, caution that overt reliance on generals could rekindle debates about the balance of civilian and military authority in Pakistan.
For Trump, the public commendation is another chance to showcase himself as a global deal-maker. “We’ve brought people together who weren’t even talking,” he said, hinting that further announcements may follow in the coming weeks.
In summary: Trump’s effusive praise for Pakistan marks a significant milestone in the U.S.–Pakistan relations. By tying Islamabad’s support to his Gaza peace plan, the U.S. president is not only strengthening bilateral ties but also positioning himself as a key broker in a volatile region.
