PAKISTAN'S Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly credited former US President Donald Trump with preventing what he described as a "catastrophic" war between Pakistan and India earlier this year, following a four-day military confrontation in May.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, Sharif claimed that Trump's direct intervention helped bring about a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, defusing what could have escalated into a full-scale war.
"Though in a position of strength, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire facilitated by President Donald Trump's bold and visionary leadership," Bernama quoted Sharif saying. "We expressed our deep appreciation to him and his team for their active role in bringing about the ceasefire."
He added that "President Trump's efforts for peace helped avert a more threatening war in South Asia. Had he not intervened timely and decisively, the consequences of a full-fledged war would have been catastrophic."
In light of his role, the Pakistani leader said his government has recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The remarks follow Sharif’s meeting with Trump at the White House, alongside Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, just a day earlier.
According to Sharif, Pakistan's military shot down seven Indian aircraft during the May 7–10 conflict, which culminated in a ceasefire agreement on 10 May, brokered amid growing international concern.
Sharif also used the UN platform to reiterate Pakistan's willingness to engage in talks with India over longstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the Indus Waters Treaty.
"Pakistan stands ready for a composite, comprehensive and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues," he said.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza
Turning to the Middle East, Sharif strongly denounced Israel's military campaign in Gaza, describing it as a "genocidal onslaught" and one of the “darkest chapters in history.”
"The Jewish regime has subjected Palestinian women and children to unspeakable terror," he said. "The atrocities against the Palestinian people are one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies of our times."
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the creation of a fully sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.
"Palestine can no longer remain under Israeli shackles. It must be liberated," he declared.
Terrorism and Islamophobia
The Pakistani Prime Minister also addressed the toll terrorism has taken on his country, asserting that Pakistan continues to face threats from externally sponsored militant groups.
He said the nation has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered financial losses exceeding US$150 billion over the past two decades in its fight against terrorism.
Sharif called for global efforts to counter the rise of Islamophobia, urging the international community to adopt effective measures to combat religious intolerance and discrimination. - September 27, 2025
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