Trump Praises Pakistan’s Sharif, Munir for Backing US Gaza Peace Plan

US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for supporting his Gaza peace initiative, saying Islamabad has been “with us from the beginning.” The remarks came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

Trump highlighted that Sharif and Munir “fully believe in this pact” and backed it “100%,” signaling Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic engagement with Washington as the US seeks Muslim world support for its Gaza reconstruction plan.

Overview of the Gaza Peace Plan
Trump unveiled a 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, designed in consultation with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Key proposals include:

• Immediate halt to hostilities upon mutual agreement.

• Hostage exchanges: Hamas to return Israeli hostages within 72 hours; Israel to release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023.

• Remains exchange: Israel to return 15 Gazans for every deceased Israeli hostage repatriated.

• Phased Israeli withdrawal, freezing battle lines during implementation.

• Gaza redevelopment as a “terror-free” zone without displacement or annexation of the West Bank.

Sharif Welcomes the Proposal
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Sharif welcomed the plan, emphasizing Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution. He said the initiative could bring political stability and economic growth to the region, praising Trump’s leadership and the role of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in shaping the deal.

Growing US-Pakistan Engagement
Trump’s remarks follow recent meetings with Sharif and Munir on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, reflecting strengthened diplomatic ties. Earlier this year, Munir was also hosted for lunch at the White House, highlighting growing bilateral engagement.