WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday addressed the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, describing his participation as a matter of great honor and emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to global peace efforts, particularly in Gaza.
Speaking at the opening meeting, the Prime Minister said achieving durable peace in Gaza remains a core mission. He said lasting stability in the region cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people.
“An independent and sovereign Palestinian state is indispensable for sustainable peace,” Shehbaz stated. He urged the international community to ensure that the Palestinian people are granted their legitimate rights in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He also highlighted the importance of ending ceasefire violations in Gaza, noting that a durable and credible truce is essential for long-term peace in the Middle East. He described the day as a “golden chapter in history” for regional peace efforts.
During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised U.S. President Donald Trump for what he termed timely diplomatic intervention in past regional tensions. He said that Trump’s efforts had helped prevent escalation between Pakistan and India, saving millions of precious lives.
“President Donald Trump has been a proponent of peace,” the Prime Minister remarked, adding that efforts to secure peace in Gaza could become a defining legacy.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated the country’s stance that justice and sovereignty for the Palestinian people are fundamental to lasting peace in the Middle East.
Trump Praises Shehbaz
At the inaugural session of the Gaza Peace Board in Washington, US President Donald Trump displayed unusual warmth towards Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, greeting him with a handshake and seemingly a brief hug, drawing attention from global leaders.
In his speech, Trump praised Pakistan, highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling them “great personalities” and “tough fighters.” Trump also referred to the 2019 India-Pakistan conflict, recalling the US role in halting the war by threatening tariffs and trade sanctions, which led to the ceasefire.
Trump noted the strong relationship that developed with Prime Minister Sharif during this period, with Sharif acknowledging that Trump’s intervention saved potentially 25 million lives, if not more. This interaction hints at a positive shift in US-Pakistan relations.
