Trump Meets Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Asim Munir: Full Coverage of Warming US–Pakistan Ties

In a dramatic shift in Washington’s South Asia strategy, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House. The meeting, held in the Oval Office, has triggered strong global interest and speculation. Trump’s gestures – from making the Pakistani delegation wait for nearly an hour to showering them with effusive praise – reflect a complex and carefully staged diplomatic play. Analysts suggest this encounter marks the biggest U.S. tilt toward Pakistan since the early 1970s, when Washington relied on Islamabad as a gateway to Beijing.

The Oval Office Drama

• Reports from Times of India, Mint, and Zee News confirm that PM Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir were kept waiting for over 60 minutes outside the Oval Office before being ushered in.

• Once inside, Trump adopted a theatrical tone, describing both leaders as “great guys” and “strong leaders.”

• The optics of making them wait yet publicly praising them suggest a Trump-style power play – emphasizing dominance while still extending warmth.

What Was Discussed?

While the meeting was officially closed-door, leaks and media speculation point to a wide-ranging agenda:

• Afghanistan & Bagram Air Base – Some sources (Moneycontrol, Hans India) hint at discussions around U.S. access to strategic bases near Afghanistan, particularly Bagram, for counter-terrorism and regional monitoring.

• Gaza Conflict – CNBC and Business Today suggest Trump sought Pakistan’s input on Muslim world reactions to the ongoing Gaza war, positioning Islamabad as a bridge to the Arab bloc.

• Kashmir Issue – Regional outlets (Rising Kashmir, Hindustan Times) noted that Kashmir may have been raised, though no official confirmation exists.

• Critical Minerals & Trade – Al Jazeera reported that Pakistan is leveraging its critical mineral reserves to woo Washington, hoping to secure U.S. investments to revive its struggling economy.

• India Factor – Experts believe this sudden U.S.-Pakistan warmth comes amid tensions in U.S.-India trade ties, particularly tariffs and H-1B visa issues. Trump may be using Islamabad as a balancing card against New Delhi.

Why This Meeting Matters

This is the first high-level U.S.–Pakistan engagement since 2019, when Imran Khan met Trump. The dynamics, however, are entirely different now:

• Pakistan’s Economic Crisis: With its economy under stress, Islamabad seeks U.S. backing for IMF negotiations, trade, and investment.

• Trump’s Strategic Calculus: Trump is eyeing geopolitical leverage – using Pakistan for regional counter-terrorism, Middle East diplomacy, and as a pressure tool on India.

• Military Role: The presence of Army Chief Asim Munir signals that Pakistan’s military remains the real power broker in Washington-Islamabad relations.

The Symbolism Behind Trump’s Moves

• The Wait Outside the Oval – Analysts say it symbolized who holds the power, yet Trump later softened the gesture with glowing praise.

• Fighter Jet Lapel Pin – Reports (Moneycontrol) noted Trump wore a lapel pin resembling a fighter jet, sparking speculation of defense deals under discussion.

• “Great Leader” Rhetoric – Trump’s flattering remarks are consistent with his transactional diplomacy – public praise in exchange for strategic concessions.

Regional & Global Reactions

• India: New Delhi is watching closely, wary that Washington’s pivot could dilute the U.S.–India strategic partnership.

• China: Beijing, already Pakistan’s top ally, may see Trump’s outreach as a challenge to its dominance in Islamabad.

• Middle East: Arab capitals are cautiously observing, especially if Pakistan positions itself as a broker on Gaza.

Conclusion

Trump’s meeting with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir signals a major recalibration in U.S. foreign policy toward South Asia. Whether this is a short-term tactical move or the beginning of a long-term U.S.-Pakistan reset remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Oval Office meeting was not just a diplomatic courtesy but a high-stakes geopolitical chess move involving Afghanistan, India, China, and the wider Muslim world.