A Diplomatic Shift: U.S. Relations with Pakistan in Ending Gaza Conflict:

Washington, D.C. — In a surprising but notable turn of diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly lauded Pakistan's leadership for their full support of Washington’s proposed peace plan to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump praised Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling them “incredible partners” in the peace process. Trump, who recently returned to the White House for a second term in January, revealed that both Pakistani leaders had expressed strong support from the outset of the proposal, officially titled the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict." “The Prime Minister and Field Marshal from Pakistan were with us from the beginning. They’re incredible. They just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact. They backed this 100 percent,” Trump stated. The proposed plan, which consists of 20 key points, aims to bring an immediate ceasefire to the conflict, the return of hostages, and a phased Israeli withdrawal. The agreement outlines that Gaza would become a “deradicalized, terror-free zone” with guaranteed security for its neighbors. If accepted by both Israel and Hamas, the plan will halt all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery shelling, while hostilities remain frozen. In return, all hostages—living or deceased—must be returned within 72 hours of Israel accepting the agreement. Israel, under the plan, will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazan detainees, including all women and children arrested since October 7, 2023. In the case of deceased hostages, Israel would return the remains of 15 Gazans for every Israeli casualty returned. Wider Muslim World Support Trump also extended thanks to a number of other Muslim and Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, and Indonesia. “My meetings and dialogue with the leaders of the Arab and Muslim world were incredibly constructive,” Trump said, emphasizing the role these nations played in shaping and supporting the peace proposal. A joint statement from the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt praised Trump’s “sincere efforts” and “leadership” in bringing about a solution to the Gaza conflict. Improved US-Pakistan Relations Trump’s praise for Pakistan came just days after a significant meeting with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir in the Oval Office. The meeting not only marked a diplomatic win for Islamabad but also highlighted rapidly improving U.S.-Pakistan relations since Trump’s return to office. The renewed relationship is bolstered by recent economic developments. A major trade deal was finalized, which included a 19% tariff structure on Pakistani imports and U.S. investment in Pakistan’s vast oil reserves. Additionally, a U.S. company has committed $500 million to Pakistan’s critical mineral and rare earth sector, a move seen as strategic amid rising global demand. Washington and Islamabad also signed a rare earth supply agreement last month, positioning Pakistan as a future hub for mineral exports to the U.S. Total bilateral trade between the two countries reached $10.1 billion in 2024, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. Conclusion Trump’s endorsement of Pakistan’s leadership and their support for the Gaza peace plan signals a significant diplomatic shift and highlights Islamabad's growing influence in global affairs. With both countries strengthening ties through trade, energy, and diplomatic cooperation, the new U.S.-Pakistan relationship could prove pivotal in addressing both regional and global challenges.

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