Trump hosts Shehbaz, Munir; holds talks on regional security

US President Donald Trump met Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir at the White House, where they discussed regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation and other issues.

Shehbaz described Trump as a “man of peace” for his “sincere efforts” to end conflicts around the globe and said his country nominated the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “outstanding contribution” to promote peace in South Asia following the conflict with India. He also invited American firms to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, mines and minerals and energy sectors, the PM office’s statement said. It said the two leaders also discussed regional security, including counter-terrorism cooperation.

While discussing the situation in West Asia, Shehbaz lauded Trump’s initiative to invite key leaders of the Muslim world this week for a comprehensive exchange of views for the restoration of peace in the region, in particular, Gaza and the West Bank. He also thanked President Trump for the tariff arrangement that was concluded between Pakistan and the US earlier this year, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Sharif on Friday said his country was ready for a “composite, comprehensive and result-oriented” dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, as he criticised New Delhi over the situation in Kashmir. Referring to Operation Sindoor during his address to the General Debate of the 80th session of the UNGA, he also claimed that “seven Indian jets” were shot down during the four-day conflict in May.