US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the ongoing situation in the Middle East. During the call Pakistan's PM expressed his appreciation for President Donald Trump’s leadership in securing the ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
According to the State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio emphasised in his call to the Pakistani Prime Minister that "Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon".
He has apparently thanked Secretary Rubio for “the US role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire", despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s denial of mediation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Middle East. Marco Rubio also welcomed Pakistan’s role and conveyed the United States’ willingness to work together to promote regional stability. Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade cooperation.
Top diplomatic sources said that Shehbaz Sharif is keen to present Pakistan as a mediator between the US and China for issues concerning the Muslim Ummah, according to News18 reports.
His public appreciation of the US aims to internationalise the Kashmir issue and solidify domestic support amidst the challenges posed by Imran Khan, they added.
Despite the lower protocol of the call given that Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir remains the key figure engaging directly with senior US officials Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seeking American recognition to strengthen his political legitimacy, especially following President Trump’s meeting with the army chief, sources told News18.
Amid a deepening economic crisis and growing Chinese influence, Sharif is working to secure trade concessions, financial aid, and IMF loan flexibility from the US, while maintaining a careful balance in Pakistan’s relationship with China, the sources added.
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