In a rare and closely watched diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met U.S. President Donald Trump in a closed-door Oval Office session on Thursday — the first such visit by a Pakistani leader since 2019.
The meeting, which lasted over an hour and was not open to the press, focused on recalibrating U.S.-Pakistan ties amid shifting regional dynamics. Also present were U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling Washington’s intent to re-engage Islamabad at the highest level.
Key Issues Discussed
- Counterterrorism Cooperation: Renewed efforts to tackle cross-border militant networks and Islamic State resurgence near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
- Strategic Access: Talks reportedly included the possibility of U.S. re-entry into Afghanistan via Bagram Airbase
- Economic Partnerships: Prospective deals on rare earth mineral exploration and oil extraction in Pakistan were floated
- Regional Security: The Pakistan-Saudi defence pact and China’s growing influence via Gwadar Port were flagged as concerns
Symbolism and Signals
For Sharif, the visit marks a diplomatic milestone — the first Oval Office appearance by a Pakistani PM since Imran Khan’s 2019 meeting. For Munir, it’s a continuation of his growing rapport with Trump, who was previously nominated by Pakistan for the Nobel Peace Prize following his role in de-escalating tensions with India.
Trump praised both leaders as “great leaders,” a remark widely interpreted as a public vote of confidence in Pakistan’s current leadership.
Broader Implications
Analysts suggest the meeting could reshape South Asia’s strategic landscape, especially as the U.S. seeks to counterbalance Chinese influence and navigate instability in Afghanistan. The inclusion of Pakistan’s military leadership underscores the centrality of security and intelligence cooperation in future bilateral ties.