Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has shared details of a brief but cordial interaction with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, revealing that Trump asked him, “How is my favourite Field Marshal?”
Speaking to The News, the prime minister said the exchange took place during the signing ceremony of members of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by President Trump with a focus on promoting peace, including in war-ravaged Gaza. According to Shehbaz Sharif, he responded by pointing towards Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who was seated in the front row among the guests.
Television footage aired globally showed both leaders gesturing toward the field marshal during the ceremony, drawing attention to the informal moment between the two leaders.
The prime minister said he used the opportunity to praise President Trump for establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza, describing it as a significant step toward restoring peace in the conflict-hit region.
“I told President Trump that if he succeeds in ensuring peace, dignity and basic rights for the Palestinian people, and if Gaza is successfully reconstructed, history would remember this initiative as his great legacy,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
During the interaction, the premier also expressed admiration for what he described as Trump’s decisive role in defusing tensions between Pakistan and India. He said he conveyed “deep gratitude” to the US president for what he termed timely and effective intervention that helped prevent a wider conflict.
“Mr President, history would remember you as a great leader who saved millions of lives in the region,” the prime minister said he told Trump.
Recalling the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif described it as warm, cordial and constructive, adding that President Trump himself initiated the reference to Pakistan’s army chief.
The interaction took place during the WEF annual meeting, where global leaders gathered to discuss international peace, security and economic cooperation.
