Raises number of downed jets in May conflict to 11; Shehbaz calls for a contiguous state of Palestine
US President Donald Trump speaks during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP
WASHINGTON:
US President Donald Trump on Thursday appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir while addressing the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council here.
“Thank you very much, Prime Minister Sharif. I like this man … and Field Marshal, a great general, [and a] great field marshal,” Trump told the international gathering of world leaders, including those from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Qatar and others.
Referring to the war between Pakistan and India last May, the US President recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that he (Trump) had saved 25 million lives by intervening to stop the war between two nuclear powers.
“I said, ’25 million lives?’ In fact, it could have been much more.”
But it was really a beautiful thing that you said that in front of a group of people, Trump told Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was also part of the meeting.
He said the war is raging. They fought … 11 jets were shot down … Pakistan and India were really into it and then it got worse, he added.
He said that after his intervention, both countries reached an agreement within two to three days.
“They made a good deal and I came to like them, the prime minister and the field marshal — who is a tough man, a tough, good fighter, good, serious fighter. I actually like good fighters,” Trump noted.
He said the deal was reached after he warned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose high tariffs if the war was not stopped.
This was not the first time that Trump spoke highly of Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, when earlier speaking at an international event on peace in Gaza on October 13, 2025, he said: “I want to thank Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan and I also have to say my favorite field marshal of Pakistan who is not here, but the prime minister is here… salute him.”
In other instances, too, he appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz and the defense chief calling him “a great, great guy” and “an inspiring personality”, crediting them with helping to avert escalation in South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the international community must work together towards a credible path to Palestinian self-determination through the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous state of Palestine in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board here, he expressed hope that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of US President Donald Trump, the international community will ensure a just and lasting solution to the issue of Palestine.
He said President Trump’s timely and highly effective intervention to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan could potentially avert the loss of tens of thousands of lives.
“You have truly proved to be a man of peace. And let me say, Mr. President, you are truly the savior of South Asia,” he remarked.
Highlighting President Trump’s efforts for global peace, he said: “It is a great honor, Mr. President, to attend this inaugural meeting of the Peace Council in this holy month of Ramazan, and may God reward you and make you successful in your efforts to bring lasting peace to Gaza.”
“Mr. President, we greatly appreciate your unique initiative and dynamic leadership in promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts around the globe,” he continued.
He said: “President Trump’s bold diplomacy has certainly brought calm to many international serious hot spots.”
“And today is a day that will mark a place in the annals of history that through your efforts, through your tireless support and great efforts, lasting peace in Gaza will be achieved. That will be your legacy for all time to come,” he added.
The Prime Minister said: “The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. And in order to achieve lasting peace, it is very important that ceasefire violations end in order to preserve life and advance reconstruction efforts.”
“The people of Palestine must exercise full control over their land and their future in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions,” he stressed.
