Prime Minister Shehbaz Praises Trump, Highlights Pakistan-U.S. Friendship on U.S. Independence Day
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and the United States are starting a “new era” of friendship and cooperation. He shared these thoughts while speaking at a U.S. Embassy event celebrating America’s 249th Independence Day.
In his speech, PM Shehbaz congratulated the American people and promised to strengthen ties between the two countries. He said both nations will work together more in trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
He also mentioned that Pakistan and the U.S. share democratic values, similar to the ideas of America’s founding fathers and Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Praise for President Trump
The prime minister thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for helping reduce tensions between Pakistan and India. He called Trump a “man of peace” who supports trade and stopping conflicts.
Pakistan’s Sacrifices in War on Terror
PM Shehbaz reminded everyone of Pakistan’s losses in the fight against terrorism since the 9/11 attacks. He said nearly 90,000 Pakistanis died, and the country suffered $150 billion in economic losses. Despite this, Pakistan remains committed to fighting terrorism.
Tensions with India
The prime minister said a recent conflict with India proved that an earlier incident in Pahalgam was staged by India. Pakistan had asked for an international investigation, but India responded with aggression.
He added that when India attacked Pakistani territory in May, Pakistan acted in self-defense and shot down six Indian planes. The international community, including U.S. officials, urged both sides to calm the situation.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan wants peace but noted that India continued its aggression despite Pakistan’s peace offers. He also thanked Middle Eastern countries for helping in the ceasefire.
U.S. Official’s Speech
Natalie Baker, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, welcomed guests at the Independence Day event. She praised Pakistan’s culture and the strong partnership between the two countries over the past 78 years.
Baker mentioned their work together in education, health, security, and the economy. She appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace with India and thanked PM Shehbaz and Army Chief General Asim Munir for choosing dialogue over conflict.
She expressed hope for more trade and cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan in the future. The event ended with American food, music, and a celebration of the strong friendship between the two nations.
