Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to American businesses to invest in Pakistan during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The discussion also focused on endeavors to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Accompanied by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sharif engaged with Trump on Thursday, signaling a positive shift in relations between Islamabad and Washington following strained ties during the previous US administration.
Highlighting agriculture, technology, mining, and energy as key sectors for US investment, Sharif’s office emphasized the potential for collaboration. Trump had previously encouraged American firms to explore oil prospects in Pakistan.
In a statement, it was mentioned that “The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that under President Trump’s leadership, the Pakistan-US partnership would be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries.”
While there was no immediate response from the White House, Trump commended both Sharif and Munir as “very great guys” during a press briefing before the meeting.
Pakistan’s military retains considerable political sway, with the army chief being widely acknowledged as the most influential figure in the country.
The discussions also delved into the situation in the Middle East, where Pakistan has been taking on a more active role. Sharif praised Trump’s endeavors to bring about an immediate resolution to the Gaza conflict.
Earlier in the week, Sharif participated in talks with other Muslim-majority leaders in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where Trump unveiled a 21-point peace blueprint for Gaza and the wider region. US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism for a potential breakthrough.
The meeting followed Pakistan’s recent pact on mutual defense with Saudi Arabia, which was inked amidst escalating tensions in the region, particularly concerning Israel.
This marked the first meeting at the White House with a Pakistani civilian leader since Trump welcomed then-Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2019. Trump had previously engaged with Munir independently earlier this year, marking the initial interaction with a Pakistani army chief while a civilian government was in office.