On September 26, US President Donald Trump met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. This significant engagement aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional issues, marking the first formal interaction between Trump and Sharif since the latter assumed office.
During a media briefing following the signing of several executive orders, Trump heralded Sharif’s visit, calling him a “great leader.” He expressed excitement about the meeting, stating, “In fact, we have a great leader coming, the prime minister of Pakistan coming, and the field marshal (of) Pakistan. Field marshal is a very great guy and so is the prime minister, both. And they’re coming.”
The meeting took place in the Oval Office and lasted approximately one hour and twenty minutes. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended the discussions, emphasizing the meeting’s importance amid upcoming global dialogues.
Sharif’s visit coincided with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address the UN General Debate. His meeting with Trump was anticipated to cover matters of mutual interest, particularly focusing on regional security and trade relationships.
Prior to their Oval Office discussions, Sharif initially met Trump in New York during the UNGA’s margins, where they discussed various diplomatic matters with other world leaders, including representatives from Arab nations.
Post-meeting photos captured a pleasant atmosphere, with Trump displaying his characteristic thumbs-up gesture while interacting with both leaders. This positive depiction underscores the hope for renewed collaboration between the two nations, which have historically shared a complex relationship.
Earlier reports suggest the leaders were expected to discuss the broader regional and global landscape during their talks. Sharif was welcomed at the White House by senior administration officials and left around 6:18 pm, marking the conclusion of a significant day for US-Pakistan relations.
Trump also reiterated claims about his diplomatic efforts, stating he has “stopped seven wars” during his administration. Notably, he mentioned Pakistan’s nomination for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging his role in mitigating tensions in recent India-Pakistan conflicts.
Since early May, Trump has publicly asserted his involvement in achieving a “full and immediate” ceasefire between India and Pakistan, although India maintains that these negotiations stemmed from direct military communications rather than external mediation.
This recent meeting signifies a crucial moment as it represents the first formal engagement with a Pakistani prime minister in six years. Imran Khan was the last Pakistani leader to meet Trump in July 2019.
Historically, Pakistan and the US collaborated closely during the Cold War, notably in their joint efforts against the USSR in Afghanistan, and later on counter-terrorism operations. However, the relationship faced strains due to Pakistan’s alleged support for the Afghan Taliban, culminating in adverse feelings post the Bin Laden operation carried out in Pakistan in 2011.
In a bid to rebuild ties, both countries announced a trade agreement featuring a 19% tariff on Pakistani imports and plans for US assistance in developing Pakistan’s oil reserves. Trade statistics reveal that the US-Pakistan trade totalled around USD 10.1 billion in 2024, showing a growth of 6.3% compared to 2023.
The overall goods trade between the countries, including exports and imports, reached USD 7.2 billion in 2024. US exports to Pakistan stood at USD 2.1 billion, a modest increase from the previous year, while imports from Pakistan totalled USD 5.1 billion, marking a steady rise.
This meeting not only seeks to foster greater diplomatic relations but also brings to the forefront the importance of regional security dynamics, trade considerations, and long-term peace efforts between two countries with a historically complex partnership.
