At the peace signing ceremony following the Gaza ceasefire agreement in Sharm el-Sheikh, U.S. President Donald Trump extended heartfelt thanks to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and to Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom he referred to as “my favourite.” The acknowledgment came as the leaders and delegations gathered to finalize a landmark truce between Israel and Hamas.
During the ceremony, Trump personally invited PM Shehbaz to address attendees. Shehbaz delivered remarks in which he thanked both Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for their leadership in securing the peace deal.
Shehbaz’s Remarks at the Summit
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz called the day “one of the greatest in contemporary history,” citing the consensus achieved through months of diplomatic effort. He commended President Trump as a statesman whose relentless work helped bring about peace, and he expressed confidence that history would remember this achievement.
Shehbaz went further, stating that Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. He praised Trump’s role in mediating conflicts between India and Pakistan, and now in Gaza, noting that the peace outcome had saved millions of lives.
He also thanked other regional actors—Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—for their contributions. He argued that without the decisive intervention of Trump’s team in critical moments, escalation might have spiraled beyond control in multiple regions.
Trump Reacts with Humour and Gratitude
Returning to the stage, Trump responded with humor, saying, “Wow! I didn’t expect that. Let’s go home — there’s nothing more I have to say. Goodbye everybody.” The lighthearted remark followed Shehbaz’s robust, affective praise.
Diplomatic Engagements at the Summit
Besides the tribute, Shehbaz held multiple bilateral meetings during the summit. He met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Egypt’s President Sisi, leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia, and other major global figures including the prime ministers of Spain, Italy, and Canada, as well as the UN Secretary-General.
In his interactions, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Palestinian rights, underscoring the nation’s moral and diplomatic alignment with efforts to ensure a free Palestine within pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital.
He described Pakistan’s position as rooted in justice and humanity, and pledged to back all peaceful initiatives that halt violence and uphold the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians.
The Broader Significance
Trump’s public commendation of a Pakistani leader and a senior military figure reflects the prominence of Pakistan’s diplomatic posture in the Gaza peace process. By naming Asim Munir in such high regard, Trump elevated Munir’s role to an international level, and indirectly underscored Pakistan’s perceived contributions.
This recognition may also bolster Pakistan’s image in global forums concerning peace, mediation, and Middle East diplomacy. As implementation of the Gaza truce proceeds, the spotlight will now fall on how parties translate commitments into action—and how Pakistan’s role continues to evolve.
