ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday said that Pakistan and the United States are entering a new era of relations.
Addressing a ceremony held at the US Embassy in connection with the celebration of 249th anniversary of the US Independence, the prime minister said that a ceasefire was established between Pakistan and India, and we hope it will be long-lasting and durable, enabling us to promote cooperation in investment, trade and other sectors.
He said that the recent conflict between Pakistan and India, which lasted for four days, established the fact that “Pahalgam incident was a false flag operation”. Had this been something different than what he was stating, India should have come out with solid evidences and convinced the world, he said.
The prime minister said that at the Kakul Academy event, he had offered an international credible and transparent probe into the Pahlagam incident so that the world should see and sift through reality and fiction. “Our sincere offer was responded with aggression but Pakistan showed a lot of tolerance and patience,” he said, adding on May 6-7, 33 Pakistanis were martyred in the Indian aggression, including children, elders and scores of others among the injured.
The prime minister said Pakistan, in its right to self-defence, shot down six Indian planes. At that time, US friends who were in touch with them conveyed that Pakistan had responded sufficiently, and that it was time to restore peace and ceasefire.
Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan was always committed to peace and de-escalation, but India had attacked them despite the fact that they had offered a very genuine offer for de-escalation. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.
Appreciating the role of US President Trump in ensuring a ceasefire, the prime minister said that he had shown beyond any doubt that “he is a man for peace, he is a man for promoting peace and beneficial business deals”. “President Trump is a man against escalation and a man against cold and hot wars,” he said, adding that Trump believed in humanity, to live in tranquility and contribute towards progress and prosperity not particularly in one region but globally as manifested in his statements, in the last few weeks.
The US president had advised both Pakistan and India to go for trade, investment and give up war and de-escalate, he added. Shehbaz deeply appreciated Trump’s contribution to bring about a ceasefire in this region. He also lauded the role of friendly and brotherly countries of the Middle East that proactively coordinated and supported Trump’s genuine efforts.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended heartfelt felicitations to US President Trump and people of the US, on his behalf and on behalf of the Pakistani nation, on celebrating their Independence Day. “Tonight, the Pakistani nation joins the US people in paying homage to the US founding fathers, whose foresight and wisdom had changed the course of history,” he said, adding that their democratic struggle, rule of constitution and equality equally resonates with the ideals of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan.
The prime minister said Pak-US enjoyed historic, long-standing and broad-based ties spanning over decades. The US had supported Pakistan with the construction of dams and other development projects. After 9/11, Pakistan faced a war on terror, its valiant forces and people laid down their lives and during 2018, they had comprehensively defeated terrorism, but at a heavy cost. About 90,000 valuable lives were lost, besides $150 billion worth of economic losses. There could not be a bigger manifestation of our commitment and resolve to fight terror in all its shades and colours, he added.
He expressed the hope that Pak-US bilateral trade would grow in volumes in IT, agriculture, education, health etc as both countries were discussing the tariff issue. He said that he was inspired by President Trump’s vision for trade, investment and growth.
Meanwhile, addressing a press briefing, DPM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India but is not desperate for it, stressing the need for a comprehensive dialogue that includes terrorism and other core issues, such as the Indus Waters Treaty.
Dar said that the ceasefire between the two countries is currently holding, but criticised Indian political leaders for escalating rhetoric ahead of their general elections. He remarked that India’s so-called “new normal” has collapsed, and the world has witnessed its claims of hegemony shattered during the recent conflict with Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar said that a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently on an overseas visit to highlight Pakistan’s stance. Pakistan has effectively presented the facts to the world, and the international community has appreciated its diplomatic efforts. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz undertook visits to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan to thank them for their support during the conflict, and is scheduled to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tomorrow (Thursday).
Dar stated that a delegation had also been sent to Russia to present Pakistan’s case. During the recent tensions, Türkiye demonstrated exemplary cooperation with Pakistan. He noted that the prime minister, along with a high-level delegation, had visited several countries.
The deputy prime minister said that while the likelihood of another clash between the two countries seems remote, vigilance is necessary. He mentioned that both sides had adhered to the agreed “timeline and goalposts,” reflecting sincerity in their intentions. Dar referenced statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defence minister, who described recent hostilities as “just a trailer,” warning that political posturing continues, possibly due to domestic compulsions. “We wish wisdom prevails,” he said, adding that Pakistan has demonstrated its peaceful intentions while prioritising economic recovery, sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, he cautioned that conflicts can escalate unexpectedly.
Reiterating Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue—especially on counterterrorism—Dar criticised India’s rigid stance, particularly the Indian foreign minister’s insistence on talks solely focused on terrorism. “We have already exposed the involvement of Indian agencies in Pakistan, though Pakistan cannot control free movement within India’s borders,” he remarked.
Dar highlighted his recent diplomatic engagements, including a visit to China on May 19 for trilateral discussions on Afghanistan. “India’s claims of regional supremacy have evaporated,” Dar asserted, noting China’s strong support for Pakistan against Indian allegations and aggression. His visit to Iran was particularly positive, with both countries agreeing to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion and promote regional peace.
Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to invest $2 billion in Pakistan, with ongoing talks on multilateral cooperation, regional connectivity projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway and Peshawar-Kabul Highway.
Responding to a question, Dar criticised India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, calling New Delhi’s pressure to renegotiate the pact a violation of international law. Pakistan and India have corresponded for three years about reviewing the treaty and Dar reiterated the warning that unilateral suspension would be considered an act of war.
To another query, he acknowledged Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s “active role” in de-escalating tensions. Dar emphasised that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have gained global recognition. “From April 23 to May 11, we presented our stance convincingly, debunking Indian claims, including the downing of an F-16.”
Dar added, “Pakistan has no intention of initiating conflict but will respond robustly to provocation,” confirming that six Indian aircraft were shot down during recent hostilities. “We have never started a war but have always given a befitting reply.” Pakistan will chair the UN Security Council in July, focusing on “promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 5-6 June 2025, coinciding with Eidul Azha. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. During the visit, the prime minister will meet with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The prime minister’s visit is expected to further solidify Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and open new avenues for multifaceted collaboration, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.
