LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed US President Donald Trump as the “architect of peace” in South Asia, praising his intervention for preventing a potential war between India and Pakistan. The premier described Trump’s leadership as “world-class statesmanship” during remarks to a select group of Pakistani media here on Sunday.
Speaking at the Pakistan High Commission following his return from a high-level diplomatic tour of the United States and Saudi Arabia, PM Sharif said millions could have suffered had the conflict escalated. “Had President Donald Trump not intervened, South Asia could have witnessed a major war,” he noted.
He added, “His real-time leadership was vital in saving the two countries from conflict. For this reason, we nominated President Trump for a peace prize — in recognition of his statesmanship and vision. During our meeting, we explained why he fully deserved this nomination.”
The premier also underscored the close working relationship between the civilian leadership and Pakistan’s military command, praising Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. “General Munir is a true nationalist. He only cares for Pakistan. Under his leadership, both the Army and Air Force have achieved remarkable successes. He is a man of vision and bravery. We discuss all important matters and take decisions in unity. It’s all for Pakistan,” he said, adding that both consult on all major decisions.
Highlighting the recently concluded defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, PM Sharif described the pact as “historic” with “global impact” and a message of “peace and cooperation.” He also said he had briefed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Geneva about his meetings with President Trump and other world leaders, noting that the elder Sharif had fully endorsed the steps taken during the visits.
On international diplomacy, the premier expressed optimism over outcomes from President Trump’s recent summit with Muslim leaders in Washington. “We fully participated in the Gaza meeting, and God willing, its encouraging results will come out soon,” he said. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied him on the trip.
The summit — initiated and co-hosted by President Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York — was attended by key leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and PM Shehbaz Sharif.
The premier also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Trump’s efforts for peace in Palestine and ending Israeli aggression in Gaza, expressing hope that the ongoing humanitarian crisis would soon end.
