US President Donald Trump is set to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday, marking another step in the warming of ties between Washington and Islamabad.
A Trump administration official confirmed the meeting to Reuters, emphasizing its significance given that it comes just weeks after both nations reached a new trade deal on July 31, which imposed a 19% tariff rate on Pakistani goods entering the United States.
While Trump has managed to finalize this agreement with Pakistan, he has yet to secure a similar trade understanding with India, highlighting the shifting dynamics of US engagement in South Asia.
The White House meeting will not be limited to bilateral trade; both leaders are expected to hold detailed discussions on global and regional matters. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, is also likely to participate, underscoring the military’s central role in shaping Islamabad’s foreign and security policies.
Earlier this year, Trump made headlines by hosting Munir at the White House—the first time a US president extended such an invitation to Pakistan’s top general without civilian leaders present. That meeting set the stage for renewed cooperation on security and counterterrorism efforts, which remain core issues in US-Pakistan ties.
The Trump administration has presented its engagement with Pakistan as part of a broader regional strategy. A senior State Department official said on Tuesday that Washington was working with Islamabad on counterterrorism and economic issues, while ensuring American interests remain protected.
Pakistan, for its part, has publicly backed Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, praising his role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after a flare-up in hostilities.
Meanwhile, Washington’s relations with New Delhi have been strained under Trump due to trade disputes, visa restrictions, and Trump’s repeated claims of mediating in South Asian conflicts.
These frictions, analysts say, have prompted India to recalibrate ties with China as a strategic hedge. Still, US officials insist that India remains a vital partner, with Washington working toward a Quad summit involving India, Japan, and Australia later this year or in early 2026.
Shehbaz’s visit also comes amid wider US engagement with Muslim-majority nations. On Tuesday, he joined other leaders in talks with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where discussions centered on Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
While Pakistan has condemned US ally Israel’s actions, Islamabad continues to balance its regional positions with closer ties to Washington under Trump. This dual-track diplomacy underscores the complexity of Pakistan’s foreign policy as it navigates both strategic opportunities and ideological commitments.
