Trump praises Field Marshal Asim Munir, PM Sharif at Board of Peace address

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying he played a key role in preventing an escalation between Pakistan and India that could have led to a devastating war. Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, Trump also lauded Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing him as “a good and excellent friend” and crediting him with helping save millions of lives during the crisis. According to Trump, 11 aircraft were downed in the conflict, but through negotiations with Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, a potential war between the nuclear-armed neighbours was averted. “I like Prime Minister Sharif very much. He and the Field Marshal acted decisively when both countries were on the brink. We suddenly reached a deal that stopped further fighting,” Trump said. “Pakistan’s Field Marshal is a great general, a great fighter, and a strong man.” Trump said that he used trade measures to prevent a potential conflict between Pakistan and India. “Both Pakistan and India wanted to fight. I said if you fight, you will have to pay two hundred percent tariff,” Trump said, adding that one of the leaders responded, “‘No, no, you cannot do that.’ Then we reached an agreement.” Trump also reiterated US support for a peaceful future in Gaza, saying, “We want a bright future for the people of Gaza.” He commented on international relations, stating that “Ukraine, Russia, and Europe like me” and emphasised the importance of strong ties between the United States and other countries: “I want good relations between the US and other countries.” Trump that talks with Iran are progressing and stressed the need for a meaningful agreement on the country’s nuclear program, while highlighting achievements in promoting peace in the Middle East. “We have good talks going with Iran,” Trump said. “We need to make a meaningful deal with Iran.” He added that the most important outcome is that “there is now peace in the Middle East.” Trump claimed that US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, conducted with B‑2 bomber aircraft, were successful. “We will know about Iran in 10 days,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow them to have nuclear weapons.” On the situation in Gaza, Trump said the U.S. and its partners are committed to establishing governance and stability. “We are determined to build a Gaza with proper governance,” he said. He added that more than $7 billion in aid has been provided to support humanitarian efforts, contributed by countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Pakistan. “Gaza is no longer a hub of extremism and terrorism,” Trump said. Trump also suggested that military intervention might not be necessary in Gaza. “I don’t think we need to send troops to fight,” he said. “It seems Hamas may give up its weapons, but we need to verify this.” The president emphasized that the United States and its partners remain engaged in the Middle East to ensure peace and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Iran. The Board of Peace, inaugurated in Washington, is a multilateral forum aimed at promoting conflict resolution, dialogue, and cooperation between nations facing security challenges. At the meeting, leaders will discuss strategies to prevent armed conflict in Gaza, enhance diplomatic engagement, and foster trade and economic ties between Israel and Palestine. Trump further urged Pakistan and India to pursue trade and dialogue, emphasizing that constructive engagement between the two nuclear-armed countries would benefit the region. The post Trump praises Field Marshal Asim Munir, PM Sharif at Board of Peace address appeared first on HUM News.