Qaseem Shah:
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday, signaling a major boost in US-Pakistan relations. The high-level meeting highlighted Washington’s renewed focus on Islamabad’s role in South Asia diplomacy, security, and trade.
The visit came as Sharif attended the UN General Assembly, where he joined leaders from eight Arab and Muslim countries to deliberate on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Red-Carpet Welcome for PM Shehbaz Sharif
Upon arrival at Andrews Air Base, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a red-carpet reception by a senior US Air Force official. He was accompanied by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and a high-profile delegation. The motorcade moved under tight US security protocols toward Washington.
At the White House, the talks included key US officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, senior defense representatives, and President Trump himself.
Historic Frequency of Meetings
This marked the third meeting between Trump and Shehbaz Sharif in just three days — a record in the history of Pakistan-US relations. No Pakistani leader has previously held so many engagements with a US president within such a short span.
Speaking to the media, President Trump praised both PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, calling them “remarkable leaders.”
Revival of US-Pakistan Ties Amid India Tensions
The White House meeting comes amid a reset in US-Pakistan relations, after years of Washington prioritizing India as a counterweight to China’s influence in Asia. Under Trump, however, US-India relations have faced strains due to visa issues, high tariffs on Indian goods, and Trump’s repeated claim of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire earlier this year.
In contrast, Washington and Islamabad finalized a trade deal on July 31, with the US imposing a 19% tariff rate — while negotiations with India remain unresolved. Earlier this year, Trump also hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir, the first-ever White House reception for a Pakistani military chief unaccompanied by senior civilian officials.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Economic Cooperation
A senior State Department official confirmed that Washington is engaging with Islamabad on multiple fronts, including counter-terrorism, security cooperation, and trade partnerships. “The president is committed to advancing US strategic interests through closer engagement with Pakistan,” the official said.
Despite Pakistan backing Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has continued to condemn US ally Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
