NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday described his meeting with US President Donald Trump as “very encouraging”, saying Washington had expressed readiness to invest in Pakistan’s trade, technology and other sectors.
Prime Minister Sharif spoke to the media on Saturday after delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. PM Sharif and Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday held a meeting with President Trump at the White House’s Oval Office.
“During the meeting with President Trump, we discussed the economy, counter-terrorism, minerals, artificial intelligence, IT, and cryptocurrency,” the Prime Minister told the media.
“I also thanked the US president on tariff issues, while minerals pricing and trade agreements between Pakistan and the US will be decided fairly and in mutual interest,” PM Sharif said.
To a question, the Prime Minister said the US was ready to invest in Pakistan’s trade, IT, and other sectors.
PM Sharif said Pakistan’s economy is stabilising at the micro level, with inflation falling and interest rates reduced. He also praised overseas Pakistanis for their support.
“Just a few years ago, the country faced serious challenges,” he said. “When we took office, inflation was at 32%, and the policy rate was 22.5%.
“In just one and a half years, inflation has fallen into single digits, and the policy rate is down to 11%. At the micro level, the economy is now stable.”
He described overseas Pakistanis as “great ambassadors” of the country, noting that they sent remittances $38.5 billion home in the fiscal year 2024-25 alone.
“Their support has been crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability,” he said.
Talking about his international visits, PM Sharif termed his reception in Saudi Arabia as “unprecedented in the last 40 years”.
PM Sharif also reflected on Pakistan’s military achievements.
“From May 6 to 10, our armed forces bravely defeated India in the war. We shot down seven enemy planes and carried out strikes at Delhi, Pathankot, and many other locations,” he said.
He credited Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership.
“The Field Marshal guided our forces wisely. On the morning of May 10, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with him, and we received a message from India that they wanted a ceasefire. We had already won the war. We accepted the ceasefire to avoid further escalation,” the prime minister said.
Recalling the change in India’s attitude, he added, “Those who once never spoke properly to you are now embracing you, which shows the strength and courage of our armed forces and the victory we achieved.”
Indus Waters Treaty
Earlier, PM Sharif met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York. He told the UN chief that the world body needs to step up and play a stronger role in tackling global problems.
The prime minister praised Guterres for his work in promoting peace and stability worldwide. He also thanked the UN for acknowledging Pakistan’s flood relief efforts. “Thousands of people were affected,” he said, “and the UN’s recognition really matters.”
PM Sharif stressed that countries hit hardest by climate change need extra support.
He also raised the Kashmir issue, noting India’s decision to keep the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, and urged the UN to ensure fair action.
Turning to Gaza, the prime minister called for an immediate ceasefire. He said aid must reach people fast, and a Palestinian state should be established. “Pakistan will continue to work for peace,” he added. “As a Security Council member, we have to do our part.”
Guterres responded by appreciating Pakistan’s consistent efforts at the UN. He noted that the country has played a practical role, helping maintain dialogue and stability on global issues.
