Trump hosts PM Shehbaz and Asim Munir at Oval Office, US President Donald Trump received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the Oval Office in Washington.
The meeting was a big deal on Friday morning with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance too.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting happened in a friendly, amiable atmosphere.
Photos captured PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir in conversation with Trump, who smiled and gave his characteristic thumbs-up pose.
A Postponed but Extended Session
The private session was set at 4:30pm Washington time but started half an hour behind schedule because of Trump’s previous commitments.
Trump addressed reporters as he signed executive orders, causing the meeting to be postponed. The meeting went on for almost one hour and 20 minutes.
Photos indicated PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir patiently sitting on gold-gilded chairs in the Oval Office.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed both Pakistani leaders warmly upon entering the room before official negotiations.
First Formal Bilateral Engagement
It was Trump’s and Shehbaz’s first formal bilateral engagement, after Imran Khan’s visit to the Oval Office in July 2019.
Earlier, Trump complimented both Pakistani leaders, referring to them as “great guys” and valuing their leadership skills.
The president did concede the delay, making light of it with reporters by saying the guests “may already be in the room.”
The White House closed the meeting to the press and barred Oval Office photos, unlike Trump’s usual approach.
Major Discussion Points
Radio Pakistan reported the topics on the agenda comprised bilateral interests, regional stability, and urgent global issues.
PM Shehbaz is in America to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly session, as well as multilateral summits and side meetings.
Upon leaving Washington, PM Shehbaz will go back to New York to give his speech at the UN General Assembly.
Pak-US Relations Warming Up
A high-ranking State Department official in New York stated that Pakistan-US relations are “slowly warming up” in Trump’s second term.
Historically, India was seen by Washington as a counterbalance to China, while Pakistan was regarded as Beijing’s close ally.
US-India relations have frayed since Trump’s return in January 2025 on tariffs, visa policies, and Trump’s claims of a ceasefire in South Asia.
The official reiterated America’s “independent relationship” with Pakistan, underlining US investment in Pakistan’s minerals and petroleum exploration.
Washington is reassessing the new Pakistan-Saudi defence pact alongside increased economic and counterterror cooperation with Islamabad.
Both nations on July 31 announced a trade deal putting 19 percent tariffs on Pakistani imports.
Estranged US-India relations are compelling New Delhi to heighten cooperation with China, analysts say.
Trump received Field Marshal Munir without officials earlier this year at the White House, underscoring the military’s central role in bilateral relations.
US Priorities in South Asia
The State Department singled out counterterrorism, trade, and regional security as key pillars of US-Pak relations.
Trump prefers direct dialogue with India, yet still views New Delhi as a strategic ally, officials said.
Trump’s South Asia mediation has been welcomed by Islamabad, even with its endorsement of his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
PM Shehbaz also accompanied Trump in a summit with Muslim leaders regarding Gaza, where they debated peace and humanitarian issues.
Pakistan Strengthening Ties with Bangladesh
In New York, PM Shehbaz held bilateral talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The two leaders discussed relations, business opportunities, and how to promote regional cooperation.
PM Shehbaz once again vowed to pursue constructive relations with Bangladesh, based on trust and mutual prosperity.
Pakistan’s efforts were hailed by Muhammad Yunus and he stressed that it was crucial to increase bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.
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