WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Washington on Friday to begin his official visit to the United States. He was welcomed with a red-carpet reception at Andrews Air Base, where senior U.S. Air Force officials received him and his delegation.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. After the ceremony, their convoy moved under strict security arrangements toward the White House for scheduled talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump praised the visiting leaders. “The Prime Minister of Pakistan is coming here. He’s a great leader. Field Marshal Munir is also coming. He’s a great guy,” Trump remarked.
This marks the first formal bilateral meeting between the two leaders in six years. The last such engagement took place in July 2019, when then–Prime Minister Imran Khan met Trump during his first term.
State broadcaster PTV confirmed the arrival on social media, sharing that Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation were warmly received. It also reported that the Prime Minister’s motorcade was escorted with tight security as he prepared for his White House meeting.
Diplomatic observers believe the visit signals a shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations. A senior State Department official noted that ties between Washington and Islamabad are “gradually warming up” under Trump’s second term.
In recent years, U.S. policy in Asia has leaned heavily toward India to counter China, while Pakistan maintained strong ties with Beijing. However, since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, U.S.-India relations have faced challenges. New visa restrictions, trade tariffs, and disputes over Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan have created friction.
Against this backdrop, Shehbaz Sharif’s visit is seen as crucial. Analysts say it will test how far both nations are ready to recalibrate relations in a changing regional environment.
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