Pakistani Prime Minister & Army Chief Meets President Trump at White House

Washington — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for high-level talks focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and international cooperation. The meeting, described by both sides as taking place in a “cordial atmosphere,” marked a significant moment in the warming ties between Islamabad and Washington.

Accompanying the prime minister was Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, underscoring the strategic weight of the dialogue. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also participated in the discussions, reflecting Washington’s emphasis on strengthening ties with Pakistan.

Ahead of the meeting, President Trump lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for their leadership. Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “We have a great leader coming. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is coming with the Field Marshal, and they are both doing a tremendous job.”

The White House meeting followed an earlier informal encounter in New York at the Arab-Islamic Summit, co-hosted by Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. That exchange was described as warm and constructive, setting the stage for Thursday’s more formal dialogue.

During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised President Trump’s role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing him as “a man of peace.” The acknowledgment comes amid renewed U.S. engagement in South Asia, particularly on issues of conflict resolution and economic development.

The meeting also comes shortly after a high-level U.S. trade delegation visited Pakistan earlier this month. The visit resulted in the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at developing and processing critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs). Analysts view the cooperation as a potential game-changer for Pakistan’s resource sector while deepening U.S.-Pakistan economic ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz received a red-carpet welcome at Andrews Air Base upon his arrival in Washington, with full U.S. security protocol in place. His motorcade proceeded to the White House under strict measures, reflecting the significance of the visit.

The prime minister is in the United States primarily to attend the 80th UN General Assembly session, where he is scheduled to address world leaders in New York on Friday after concluding his Washington engagements.