ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday described the relationship between Pakistan and the United States as “true and special”, noting that it has spanned nearly eight decades and encompasses cooperation in key areas including security, counter-terrorism, energy and science and technology.
Addressing an event marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and the US had worked closely during some of the most significant moments in recent history, including the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s and the global war on terror from 2001 to 2021.
“Last year, following India’s unprovoked aggression after the Pahalgam incident, it was President [Donald] Trump’s timely and most decisive intervention that resulted in a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10, last year,” he said.
“We shall forever remain grateful to President Trump for restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of people. In this context, he will always be remembered as a man of peace,” PM Sharif said.
Recalling the history of Pakistan–US relations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that the United States was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan, adding that then US President Harry Truman had sent a congratulatory message to founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, following independence.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses at a ceremony celebrating 250th Independence anniversary of the United States of America (4 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/BjcGU3oT9V
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 4, 2026
“Ours is a true and special relationship, spanning over nearly eight decades and encompassing cooperation not only in security and counter-terrorism, but equally so in trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” the premier said.
He also hailed the vision of America’s founding fathers “of liberty, self-government and human dignity”.
“The story of America is one of hope and optimism. It is based upon the abiding belief that we can shape a better tomorrow if we work hard and persevere today,” PM Sharif said, adding that under Trump’s “bold and visionary leadership”, Washington “continues to inspire confidence and dynamism, while advancing peace, progress and prosperity”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that, in his “unique style”, US President Donald Trump had brought “energy and resolve” to Washington’s international engagement and pursuit of its national interests.
He further said that Pakistan continues to acknowledge American support in key areas, including the advancement of the “Green Revolution” through the University of California, Davis, the construction of the Tarbela Dam, and the establishment of centres of excellence such as the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), alongside financing for critical infrastructure projects that continue to serve the country to this day.
Expressing gratitude for Washington’s assistance across multiple sectors, the Prime Minister highlighted that thousands of Pakistani graduates from US universities, along with scientists, educators and researchers, are contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economy, academia, public service and entrepreneurial landscape.
“The United States is home to some of the finest and outstanding hospitals in the world, where doctors and medical experts from across the globe — including many outstanding Pakistanis — work together to save lives and restore hope,” he added.
PM Sharif also highlighted the nearly 1 million Pakistani-Americans who call the US “their second home”, as well as America’s extensive corporate footprint in Pakistan, with some 80 companies investing in the country.
“Today, Pakistan is proudly, but humbly, playing a sincere role as mediator between the United States and Iran,” he stated.
He also thanked Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in the ongoing peace process, and noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Washington last week to discuss regional and bilateral cooperation with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio.
“As I speak, these efforts continue with the support of Iran and the United States, and let us pray to Allah Almighty that we achieve long-lasting peace as early as possible,” PM Shehbaz said.
US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, in her remarks, said that Islamabad and Washington have come to regard each other as “true strategic partners” under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Donald Trump.
She added that the relationship is not merely transactional, but is instead based on mutual respect, aligned interests, and a shared commitment to security, stability and prosperity.
“President Trump’s approach to Pakistan has been direct, personal and consequential. From his earliest days back in office, he made clear that America’s engagement with Pakistan would be defined not by bureaucratic inertia or outdated assumptions, but by results, by deals made, crises managed and opportunities seized,” Baker stated.
According to the CDA, Trump credited PM Shehbaz’s and Field Marshal Munir’s leadership with securing the May 2025 ceasefire, calling it a “major contribution to preventing war between nuclear-armed neighbours”.
“The statesmanship of Pakistan’s leaders, your willingness to de-escalate and stabilise a dangerous confrontation, is not forgotten in Washington; it is admired and it opened a new chapter,” Baker stressed.
“The relationship deepened even further in September [2025], when the president welcomed Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir to the Oval Office: a testament to the genuine personal bonds that exist at the highest levels of our two governments, and of the extraordinary trust and regard President Trump has for Pakistan’s leadership,” she added.
“President Trump’s personal engagement, from welcoming the Prime Minister and Field Marshal to the White House, to picking up the phone at critical moments of regional crisis, reflects the conviction that runs deep within this administration: that a strong Pakistan is good for America, and a strong America is good for Pakistan.”
