U.S. President Donald Trump has lauded Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for backing Washington’s proposed Gaza peace initiative. Speaking at a White House press briefing on Monday, Trump described the Pakistani leaders—whom he met last week in Washington—as “incredible,” noting that Islamabad had supported his 20-point proposal from the outset.
The PM of Pakistan and the Field Marshal fully back this deal, says Trump pic.twitter.com/ahN6Q0fxrv
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 29, 2025
“The Prime Minister and Field Marshal from Pakistan were with us from the beginning. They’re incredible. They just put out a statement saying they fully believe in this pact. They backed it 100 per cent,” Trump said. He also thanked leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Egypt for their “tremendous support” of the plan.
PM Shehbaz also tweeted to express his support for Trump’s plan.
I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza.
I am also convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region.
It is also my firm belief that…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 29, 2025
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Inside the Gaza Plan
Unveiled Monday, Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” envisions Gaza as a demilitarized, terror-free zone slated for redevelopment. If both sides agree, Israeli forces would halt military operations, freeze positions, and withdraw in stages, beginning with a 72-hour window for all hostages—alive or deceased—to be returned.
In exchange, Israel would release 250 life-term prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, including women and children. For each Israeli hostage’s remains, Israel would release the remains of 15 Gazans.
The plan has already drawn backing from foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt, who welcomed Trump’s “sincere efforts” to end the conflict.
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Strengthening U.S.-Pakistan Ties
Trump’s praise followed his Oval Office meeting with Sharif and Munir last Thursday, shortly after the two countries signed a new trade deal. Relations have warmed since Trump’s return to the White House in January.
Recent agreements include U.S. investment of $500 million in Pakistan’s mineral sector, cooperation on oil reserves, and a trade arrangement placing a 19% tariff on Pakistani imports. U.S.-Pakistan trade reached $10.1 billion in 2024, a 6.3% rise from the previous year.