ISLAMABAD/NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as “great leaders” during what was described as a historic meeting at the White House.
Welcoming the Pakistani delegation with full protocol, including a red-carpet reception at Andrews Air Base, Trump praised Field Marshal Munir’s “outstanding personality” and called Shehbaz Sharif a “remarkable individual.” The premier and COAS met the US president in the Oval Office as part of high-level engagements in Washington.
Meanwhile, Trump made global headlines by ruling out Israeli annexation of the West Bank, telling reporters: “I will not allow it. It’s time to stop now.” He revealed he had conveyed this stance directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call focused on the Gaza conflict.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz inaugurated Pakistan’s first comprehensive energy circular debt elimination plan via video link from New York, calling it a “historic breakthrough.” The Rs1.225 trillion facility — finalised with 18 banks at KIBOR minus 0.9pc — aims to retire Power Holding Limited’s debt and clear Independent Power Producers’ dues, potentially saving consumers Rs350 billion. Shehbaz credited a “Team Pakistan” effort, lauding the roles of government institutions, banks, IPPs, and COAS Munir’s “behind-the-scenes support.”
The prime minister also met Bill Gates, reaffirming polio eradication as a national priority, and held talks with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to enhance regional trade and connectivity.
Story by Ag App & Ag Reuters