Saturday, March 29, 2025
Washington, Sept 26, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir at the Oval Office on Thursday, marking a significant moment in U.S.–Pakistan relations.
Before the meeting, Trump praised his guests, calling them “great leaders.” Speaking to reporters, he said, “Today we have great leaders coming here — the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Field Marshal. The Field Marshal is a great man, and so is the Prime Minister. They are probably already in this room right now.”
The meeting comes shortly after the U.S. and Pakistan signed a new trade agreement. Earlier this week, Trump and Shehbaz Sharif also held a brief interaction in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This growing warmth between Washington and Islamabad is notable because, during his first presidential term, Trump had accused Pakistan of providing “safe havens for terrorism” and betraying U.S. trust.
General Asim Munir has visited the U.S. twice in recent months, strengthening military-to-military ties. He also nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, further cementing their rapport. Analysts suggest that the joint civilian and military visit could mark a new direction in U.S.–Pakistan relations.
Trump reiterated his claim that he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan in the past. He pointed specifically to the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor, saying he had mediated to maintain peace.
However, India has consistently rejected such claims, making it clear that no foreign power had any role in its military operations or strategic decisions.
Experts believe that Trump’s renewed engagement with Pakistan is closely tied to U.S. strategic interests in Afghanistan. Recently, Trump emphasized the importance of regaining control of the Bagram Air Base, highlighting its proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities. This, he argued, makes Pakistan a critical partner in America’s broader Afghan and Asian strategy.
