Shehbaz Sharif Praises Trump as ‘Saviour of South Asia’ at Peace Summit

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised former US President Donald Trump during a high-profile peace summit in Washington, describing him as a “man of peace” and a “saviour of South Asia.” His remarks drew international attention and revived disputed claims about US involvement in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during a recent military standoff.

Speaking at the Board of Peace summit, Sharif credited Trump with playing a decisive role in defusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He said Trump’s intervention helped prevent large-scale conflict and potential loss of life, describing his efforts as timely and effective.

Sharif also commended Trump’s diplomatic approach, calling it bold leadership that has contributed to conflict resolution in multiple global hotspots. He described the summit as a historic moment and expressed hope that peace initiatives, particularly those focused on Gaza, would form a lasting legacy.

The remarks revived Trump’s earlier claim that he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan during last year’s military confrontation. India has repeatedly rejected these assertions, maintaining that any ceasefire or de-escalation was achieved through bilateral mechanisms and established military communication channels.

During the same meeting, Trump reiterated his claim that trade pressure played a role in persuading both countries to step back from escalation. He said economic consequences influenced decisions to avoid further conflict. However, Indian officials have consistently denied any third-party mediation in the matter.

Sharif’s address also touched on broader global issues. He emphasised the importance of diplomatic solutions to conflicts worldwide and called for progress toward Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state in line with international resolutions.

The Pakistani leader framed the peace summit as an important step toward global stability and highlighted the need for collaborative international efforts to address conflicts and humanitarian crises.

This is not the first time Sharif has publicly praised Trump’s role in regional peace efforts. In previous remarks at international forums, he credited Trump with preventing escalation between India and Pakistan and supported his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The comments come amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and ongoing international discussions about conflict resolution and regional stability. Analysts note that narratives surrounding mediation and ceasefire efforts remain politically sensitive, particularly in the context of India’s long-standing position against third-party involvement in bilateral disputes.

The summit underscored broader diplomatic engagement around peacebuilding initiatives and highlighted the differing perspectives of regional stakeholders on conflict resolution efforts.

As global leaders continue to discuss security, diplomacy, and reconstruction initiatives, the exchange reflects the complex geopolitical narratives shaping South Asian diplomacy and international peace efforts.