The number of planes shot down in the May conflict increases to 11; Shehbaz calls for a contiguous state of Palestine
US President Donald Trump speaks during the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board at the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP
WASHINGTON:
US President Donald Trump on Thursday appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir while addressing the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board here.
“Thank you very much, Prime Minister Sharif. I like this man… and field marshal, a great general, [and a] great field marshal,” Trump said at an international meeting of world leaders, including those from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Qatar and others.
Referring to the war between Pakistan and India in May last year, the US president recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that he (Trump) had saved the lives of 25 million people by intervening to stop the war between two nuclear powers.
“I said, ’25 million lives? “Actually, it could have been a lot more.”
But it was really beautiful what you said in front of a group of people,” Trump said, addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was also part of the meeting.
He said the war is in full swing. They were fighting… 11 planes were shot down… Pakistan and India were really fighting, and then the situation got worse, he added.
He said that after his intervention, both countries reached an agreement in two three days.
“They made a good deal and I got to like him, the prime minister and the quarterback, who is a tough man, a good tough fighter, a good, no-nonsense fighter. In fact, I like good fighters,” Trump said.
He said the deal was reached after he warned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he would impose heavy tariffs if the war was not stopped.
This was not the first time that Trump spoke highly of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, as earlier, while addressing an international event on peace in Gaza on October 13, 2025, he said: “I want to thank Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan and I also have to say that my favorite field marshal of Pakistan is not here, but the Prime Minister is here… give him my regards.”
In other instances, he also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Chief of the Defense Forces calling him “a great, great guy” and “an inspiring personality”, and credited them with helping prevent escalation in South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the international community must work together towards a credible path towards Palestinian self-determination through the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Speaking at the opening session of the Peace Board here, he expressed hope that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of US President Donald Trump, the international community will ensure a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
He said President Trump’s timely and highly effective intervention to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan potentially prevented the loss of tens of millions of people.
“You have truly proven yourself to be a man of peace. And let me tell you, Mr. President, you are a true savior of South Asia,” he commented.
Highlighting President Trump’s efforts for global peace, he said: “It is a great honor, Mr. President, to attend this inaugural meeting of the Peace Board in this holy month of Ramazan and may God reward you and make you successful in your efforts to achieve lasting peace in Gaza.”
“Mr. President, we deeply appreciate your unique initiative and dynamic leadership in promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world,” he continued.
He said: “President Trump’s bold diplomacy has surely brought calm to many international flashpoints.”
“And today is a day that will mark a place in the annals of history, in which thanks to your efforts, your tireless support and your great efforts, a lasting peace will be achieved in Gaza. It will be your legacy for all time,” he added.
The prime minister said: “The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. And to achieve lasting peace, it is very important that ceasefire violations be ended to preserve lives and advance reconstruction efforts.”
“The people of Palestine must exercise full control of their land and their future in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions,” he stressed.
