ISLAMABAD, June 5: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said his country will “forever remain grateful” to US President Donald Trump for what he described as a timely intervention that helped secure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following last year’s military confrontation.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the US Embassy to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, Sharif called Trump a “man of peace” and credited him with helping restore stability in South Asia.
Referring to tensions that followed the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharif claimed Trump played a decisive role in ending hostilities on May 10.
India, however, has consistently rejected assertions of third-party mediation, maintaining that the understanding was reached directly between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Sharif also praised Trump’s leadership, describing it as bold, visionary and energetic.
He said the US president had brought renewed dynamism to Washington’s global engagement while advancing peace, progress and prosperity.
Highlighting nearly eight decades of Pakistan-US ties, Sharif pointed to cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health and energy.
He further claimed that Pakistan is helping facilitate contacts between the US and Iran and thanked Army Chief Asim Munir for supporting those efforts.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker described the two countries as strategic partners whose relationship is built on mutual respect, shared interests and a common vision for security and prosperity.(PTI)
