NEW JERSEY: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that former U.S. President Donald Trump has encouraged American companies to begin investing in Pakistan without delay. During a press briefing in New Jersey, the premier described his meeting with Trump as a “turning point” for Pakistan-U.S. relations.
PM Shehbaz said the U.S. has shown willingness to invest in Pakistan’s information technology, energy, agriculture, and mineral sectors. He emphasized that mineral pricing would be established transparently through mutual agreement.
He stressed that any future trade deals between the two nations would be guided by mutual interests, ensuring equitable cooperation and shared prosperity.
A Historic Welcome and a Diplomatic Breakthrough
Calling the reception in the U.S. one of the most exceptional in four decades, PM Shehbaz likened the warmth to the hospitality he received in Saudi Arabia. He lauded the strategic insight of Pakistan’s military under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting it with helping to de-escalate tensions with India.
He also acknowledged Washington’s role in preventing regional conflict, revealing that the U.S. Secretary of State delivered India’s ceasefire message on May 10 — a move he described as pivotal.
Trump Hosts Shehbaz at the White House
At the White House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir were received by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their in-depth discussion, lasting one hour and twenty minutes in the Oval Office, covered key topics such as counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, regional stability, and trade cooperation.
Shehbaz extended an invitation to Trump to visit Pakistan and thanked him for his role in pushing forward a new trade agreement. He praised Trump’s assertive leadership, crediting it with helping to prevent a major crisis in South Asia.
UN and China Engagements
On the diplomatic sidelines, Shehbaz Sharif met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to raise concerns about Indian-backed terrorism within Pakistan and called for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on existing UN resolutions. He also advocated for increased international financial support for countries suffering from climate-related disasters.
In a separate informal exchange with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strong bilateral ties. Premier Li also commended Shehbaz’s address at the UN, highlighting shared goals and mutual respect.
