ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday described Pakistan and the United States as longstanding partners whose relationship has flourished for nearly eight decades across a wide range of sectors, including security, counter-terrorism, trade, investment, energy, science and education.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the prime minister said Islamabad and Washington had stood together during some of the most significant moments in modern history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the global war on terror between 2001 and 2021.
Referring to tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam incident, PM Shehbaz credited US President Donald Trump with helping avert a wider conflict through his intervention that led to a ceasefire on May 10 last year.
He said President Trump’s timely and decisive role helped restore peace in South Asia and prevented a potentially devastating conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“We will always remain grateful to President Trump for his efforts to restore peace in the region,” the premier said, adding that the US president would be remembered as a leader who worked for peace and stability.
Highlighting the historical roots of bilateral ties, PM Shehbaz recalled that the United States was among the first nations to recognise Pakistan after independence, noting that then-US President Harry Truman had sent a congratulatory message to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He described Pakistan-US relations as a “true and special partnership” that extends far beyond security cooperation and encompasses trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, education, scientific collaboration, energy development and people-to-people exchanges.
The prime minister also praised the founding principles of the United States, including liberty, self-governance and human dignity, describing America’s journey as a story of hope, resilience and optimism.
PM Shehbaz said that under President Trump’s leadership, the United States continues to demonstrate confidence, dynamism and a commitment to promoting peace, progress and prosperity around the world.
He noted that American support had played a significant role in Pakistan’s development, citing contributions to the Green Revolution through the University of California, Davis, assistance in the construction of Tarbela Dam, support for leading educational institutions and financing of key infrastructure projects that continue to benefit millions of Pakistanis.
The premier thanked the United States for its longstanding cooperation and observed that thousands of Pakistani graduates from American universities, along with scientists, teachers and researchers, have made important contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth, education sector, entrepreneurship and public service.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani professionals working in the United States, particularly in healthcare, where many Pakistani doctors and medical experts serve at some of America’s leading hospitals.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the role of nearly one million Pakistani-Americans in strengthening ties between the two countries and noted that around 80 American companies currently have investments and operations in Pakistan.
Turning to regional diplomacy, the prime minister said Pakistan was playing a sincere and constructive role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
He expressed gratitude for the confidence both countries had placed in Pakistan and thanked Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in supporting ongoing peace efforts.
The premier also referred to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Washington, where discussions focused on regional developments and expanding bilateral cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“As efforts continue with the support of both Iran and the United States, we pray for lasting peace and stability in the region,” PM Shehbaz said.
Speaking at the event, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker described Pakistan and the United States as strategic partners united by mutual respect, shared interests and a common vision for security and prosperity.
She said President Trump’s approach toward Pakistan had been practical, direct and focused on results, stressing that Washington viewed Islamabad as an important partner in advancing regional stability.
Baker noted that President Trump had publicly acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for helping secure the May 2025 ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing it as a significant contribution to preventing conflict between two nuclear powers.
She said Pakistan’s leadership demonstrated statesmanship and restraint during a critical period, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
The US diplomat further highlighted the importance of high-level engagement between the two countries, including President Trump’s meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House in September 2025.
According to Baker, these interactions reflected the strong personal ties and mutual trust that exist between the leadership of both nations.
She thanked Pakistan for hosting key diplomatic engagements and reiterated that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio place great value on the partnership with Islamabad.
Baker concluded by saying that President Trump’s direct involvement during critical regional developments reflects the administration’s belief that a strong Pakistan benefits the United States, just as a strong America benefits Pakistan.
