ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hailed the “true and special relationship” between Pakistan and the United States, which has spanned nearly eight decades and covers bilateral interests in security, counter-terrorism, energy and science, among other fields.
Addressing an event marking the US 250th anniversary, PM Shehbaz noted that Islamabad and Washington had “worked closely at the most consequential moments of our history, whether it be the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s or the global war on terror from 2001–2021”.
“Last year, following India’s unprovoked aggression after the Pahalgam incident, it was President [Donald] Trump’s timely and most decisive intervention that resulted in a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10, last year,” he said, referring to a brief four-day war between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
“We shall forever remain grateful to President Trump for restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of people. In this context, he will always be remembered as a man of peace.”
Recalling the relationship between Islamabad and Washington, PM Shehbaz noted that the US was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan, when then-US president Harry Truman sent a congratulatory letter to Quaid-i-Azam.
“Ours is a true and special relationship, spanning over nearly eight decades and encompassing cooperation not only in security and counter-terrorism, but equally so in trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” the premier said.
He also hailed the vision of America’s founding fathers “of liberty, self-government and human dignity”.
“The story of America is one of hope and optimism. It is based upon the abiding belief that we can shape a better tomorrow if we work hard and persevere today,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that under Trump’s “bold and visionary leadership”, Washington “continues to inspire confidence and dynamism, while advancing peace, progress and prosperity”.
He noted that with his “unique style”, Trump has brought “energy and resolve” to the US’ international engagement and pursuit of its interests.
PM Shehbaz added that Pakistan remembers American support in advancing its “green revolution” through UC Davis, as well as with the construction of the Tarbela Dam, centres of excellence like Lums in Lahore and in financing critical infrastructure around the country that “continues to serve the Pakistani people to this day”.
Thanking Washington for its support of Islamabad in multiple fields, the premier took note that thousands of Pakistani graduates from American universities, as well as scientists, teachers and researchers, continue to make valuable contributions to Pakistan’s economy, academia, public service and entrepreneurship.
“The United States is home to some of the finest and outstanding hospitals in the world, where doctors and medical experts from across the globe — including many outstanding Pakistanis — work together to save lives and restore hope,” he added.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the nearly 1 million Pakistani-Americans who call the US “their second home”, as well as America’s extensive corporate footprint in Pakistan, with some 80 companies investing in the country.
“Today, Pakistan is proudly, but humbly, playing a sincere role as mediator between the United States and Iran,” he stated. expressing gratitude for the trust “reposed in Pakistan by both these countries”.
He also thanked Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in the ongoing peace process, and noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Washington last week to discuss regional and bilateral cooperation with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio.
“As I speak, these efforts continue with the support of Iran and the United States, and let us pray to Allah Almighty that we achieve long-lasting peace as early as possible,” PM Shehbaz said.
