Civil-military leadership on one page over economic, foreign policies: PM

Shehbaz defends Trump’s Nobel Prize nomination, credits him for easing regional tensions

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that there is a consensus on all key issues, including foreign policy, between the country’s political and military leadership, and the two are “on the same page”.

“We consult on every issue. We are on one page and making sincere efforts [….] Mutual consultations are also held regarding the economic situation,” PM Shehbaz said during a press conference in London on Monday.

“I pray for this coordination and harmony among political leadership and institutions to make Pakistan not only overcome the past losses, but also reach new heights,” he added.

Underscoring the close working relationship between the civil and military leadership, the prime minister lauded the army chief, saying: “COAS Munir is a true nationalist. He only cares for Pakistan. Under his leadership, both the army and air force have achieved remarkable successes. He is a man of vision and bravery. We discuss all important matters and make decisions in unity. It’s all for Pakistan”.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize because “he helped save the region from destruction” during a period of Pakistan-India escalation.

Responding to a reporter’s question about Pakistan nominating Trump for the Nobel Prize, the PM said, “Mr Trump eased tension between Pakistan and India and has saved the region from major destruction.”

He emphasised that if Trump had not intervened in the Pakistan-India escalation, “there would be more destruction and loss of lives.”

The premier added that Trump has eased tension between Ethiopia and Egypt, and even in Ukraine.”

Speaking about his recent meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, PM Shehbaz said that his visit to Washington “was very fruitful; it was very successful.”

He said the best thing that happened was that in the UN building, President Trump co-chaired a meeting on Gaza, and he invited Pakistan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia.

“There, a very constructive discussion took place, and as a result of that meeting, very soon, a positive result may come that in the Gaza war, there may be a ceasefire,” he said.

“Since 2023 in Gaza, the market of oppression and tyranny has been heated, and innocent Muslims are being martyred, including children, mothers, sisters, and youngsters. I believe that this much cruelty and intensity has rarely been witnessed in modern times, and for that, alhamdulillah, we have raised a strong voice at the UN and expressed complete solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

PM Shehbaz said that during his meeting with Trump, he also talked about the escalation with India, and how New Delhi weaponised the Indus Waters Treaty against the people of Pakistan.

“[I talked about] the way our forces defeated India and, by the grace of Almighty Allah, made India learn a lesson which they will remember for a lifetime,” he said.

“I also said that Pakistan won the war, by the grace of God, through our brave armed forces, who fought with great courage and outstanding professional equipment, led by Field Marshal Saeed Asim Munir, who led from the front and whose resolve was unwavering, and the entire nation was behind our own forces.

The premier said that while the country’s economy had become stabilised on a macro level, the effects of climate change were taking their toll.

He talked about the massive floods in the country that have struck both the rural heartland and industrial centres for the first time in decades, causing billions of dollars in damage while straining food supplies, exports and a fragile economic recovery. Staff Report