Shehbaz Praises Trump as a Key Partner
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his “invaluable offer” to play a greater role in bringing lasting peace to South Asia. In a post on social media, he acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the United States, emphasizing their joint efforts to safeguard mutual interests and uphold peace in critical regions. PM Shehbaz’s statement highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan-US ties across various sectors, particularly in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation, underlining that Trump’s offer could further reinvigorate this relationship.
The Pakistan Foreign Office also welcomed President Trump’s commitment to mediate the resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. It appreciated Trump’s willingness to work alongside both nations to find a peaceful solution, particularly after recent military clashes. The Foreign Office acknowledged the US’s constructive role in supporting the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which was an important step towards de-escalation and regional stability.
The most recent escalation in the decades-old rivalry between India and Pakistan began on May 7, when an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack resulted in the death of at least 31 civilians, including women and children. In retaliation, Pakistan’s military downed several Indian fighter jets and drones, escalating tensions. This was followed by missile attacks from India targeting Pakistani airbases, prompting Pakistan to launch “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” targeting Indian military infrastructure.
After four days of intense military exchanges, both nations agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir and the International Border on May 10. President Trump, who had been engaged in diplomatic talks with both sides, praised the leadership of India and Pakistan for their courage in agreeing to a ceasefire and expressed his willingness to increase trade with both countries. Trump’s efforts, along with those of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, were crucial in brokering the ceasefire. They engaged with senior officials from both countries, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, to push for a resolution.
In a post on social media, Trump celebrated the ceasefire, emphasizing the bravery and wisdom of both nations’ leaders in halting the aggression that could have led to further loss of life. He commended their decisions as heroic, noting that millions of innocent lives could have been lost in the conflict. He also made a public commitment to bolster trade relations with India and Pakistan as part of the broader efforts to stabilize the region.
Pakistan’s military also made a public statement regarding their response to the Indian aggression. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, speaking at a press briefing, outlined the details of “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” emphasizing that Pakistan’s armed forces had engaged multiple military targets in India, including airbases, missile storage sites, and military logistics locations. The operation demonstrated Pakistan’s military capabilities, including advanced network-centric warfare and precision-guided weapons.
The military response also included cyber offensives, aimed at crippling Indian military infrastructure without affecting civilian services. The Pakistan Navy took steps to ensure the security of the country’s maritime boundaries, keeping an Indian warship from approaching Pakistani waters. Despite the aggressive military actions, Pakistan’s armed forces reassured the nation of their commitment to justice for the civilian casualties and emphasized the need to safeguard national sovereignty.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire, Pakistan received support from various international players, including China and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). China expressed its support for the ceasefire and called for continued engagement between India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation. The OIC, representing 57 Muslim-majority countries, urged both nations to engage in dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Pope Leo XIV also expressed his relief at the ceasefire, hoping it would lead to a lasting peace agreement.
The international community’s involvement highlights the global recognition of the significance of the India-Pakistan conflict and its potential to destabilize the entire South Asian region. The hope is that the ceasefire, though temporary, serves as a stepping stone towards addressing the more extensive issues between India and Pakistan, particularly the Kashmir dispute. As both nations take stock of the situation, the world watches closely, hoping for lasting peace and regional stability.
