These are not my words. They were expressed by Donald Trump, President of the United States, in reference to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The ongoing conflict between United States and Iran, coupled with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has impacted nearly the entire world. Economies across the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond have been shaken. In such a scenario, where does a country like Pakistan, with its relatively fragile economy, stand?
Yet, it would not be an exaggeration to call it nothing short of a miracle that this very Pakistan has played a constructive and positive role in stabilizing the global economic situation. At a time when the world stood on the brink of a third world war, Pakistan demonstrated remarkable diplomatic skill, earning acknowledgment across the globe. For several consecutive days, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir remained actively engaged in consultations, diplomatic outreach, international visits, and high-level meetings. Ultimately, they succeeded, at least to a significant extent, in achieving their objectives.
One can only pray that negotiations succeed and a lasting ceasefire is achieved, allowing the world to breathe a sigh of relief.
Pakistan played a role in facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, both of which appeared poised for escalation. It also helped enable direct negotiations between high-level delegations from the two countries. As these delegations arrived in Pakistan, global attention turned sharply toward Islamabad. Pakistan’s name resonated across international media.
Eventually, after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping following a ceasefire in Lebanon, President Donald Trump issued a message on social media addressing Pakistan’s leadership. He wrote: “Thanks to Pakistan and its great Prime Minister and Field Marshal. These are remarkable individuals.”
Whether one appreciates it or not, the reality remains that most countries strive to earn the goodwill of the U.S. President. Pakistan, too, has historically sought cordial relations with Washington. In May 2025, when Pakistan’s Air Force reportedly downed Indian Rafale jets, the United States was compelled to acknowledge Pakistan’s strategic importance. President Trump became notably vocal in his praise of Pakistan. Known for speaking his mind, Trump’s repeated commendation of Pakistan’s national leadership is, diplomatically speaking, a significant achievement.
For any patriotic Pakistani, this is a moment of pride. Yet, as is often the case, there exists a segment within the country that remains persistently critical. This group appears unsettled by any development that casts Pakistan in a positive light. It actively seeks negative narratives and often attempts to frame even positive developments in a critical or adverse manner.
It is important to understand that in today’s world, countries and governments spend millions and sometimes billions, of dollars on public relations and image-building. Through professional PR firms, they run structured campaigns: producing videos, planting stories, and securing favorable statements from influential figures. The objectives may vary i.e. attracting foreign investment, promoting tourism, expanding political influence, marketing export products, or projecting cultural soft power. Conversely, countries also invest heavily in negative campaigns against rival states through lobbying firms. One need not look far, India has, for decades, engaged in such efforts against Pakistan.
In this context, it may be considered fortunate that President Trump is, in effect, doing for Pakistan what would otherwise require vast financial resources, without any compensation. His statements during the Pakistan-India tensions and the U.S.-Iran conflict reflect a narrative that even the most expensive PR campaigns might struggle to achieve. Similarly, Pakistan’s effective diplomacy in the U.S.-Iran dispute has projected a positive image of the country worldwide, enhancing its global standing.
The visit of JD Vance to Pakistan, along with his delegation, is no ordinary development. This is the same Pakistan that, only a few years ago, was seen as diplomatically isolated, with predictions of economic collapse. It was often portrayed as an unsafe country due to terrorism. Against that backdrop, the arrival of senior leadership from both the United States and Iran on Pakistani soil is extraordinary.
Those with even a basic understanding of political history will recall a time, not too long ago, when the Prime Minister of India would avoid even a phone call with Pakistan’s premier. There was also a moment when Pakistan had to make earnest requests for Bill Clinton to briefly stop over during his visit to India, and even then, the visit came with conditions, including that the picture of meeting will not be issued to media. Compared to such moments in the past, the present, where the U.S. President openly praises Pakistan’s leadership, naturally calls for a sense of satisfaction.
In recent days, there have also been murmurs about a possible visit by President Trump to Pakistan. As this column is being written, reports have emerged that an advance American team has arrived in Islamabad for the second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations. President Trump himself has confirmed that a U.S. delegation will travel to Pakistan for talks. A White House official has also indicated to an American newspaper that progress in negotiations with Iran is possible, and that the U.S. is looking forward to further dialogue in Pakistan.
Admittedly, the situation remains fluid. Statements from both sides continue to fluctuate between confrontation and conciliation. One day suggests de-escalation; the next hints at renewed tensions. The Strait of Hormuz opens and closes in quick succession. In diplomacy, outcomes can shift rapidly. A ceasefire may hold, become permanent, or, God forbid, collapse into renewed conflict.
For now, however, there is hope for a positive resolution. One can only pray that negotiations succeed and a lasting ceasefire is achieved, allowing the world to breathe a sigh of relief. If such a breakthrough is facilitated through Pakistan, the nation’s pride will multiply many times over.
While it is too early to predict the final outcome of these negotiations, one fact can be stated with confidence: Pakistan’s name has, thus far, been elevated among the nations of the world in a manner that is a source of genuine pride. For this, thanks are due to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The writer is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University.