Bilawal tasked by PM to lead mission abroad to present Pakistan’s case, expose Indian propaganda: Cannot forget Pakistan: Trump

By Asim Yasin

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan and its people, surprising diplomats worldwide with his warm words. He highlighted his positive conversation with Pakistan on ceasefire, saying “it does take two to tango and said we cannot forget them.”

Trump is elated by the unprecedented praise he has received from all over the world for mediating between India and Pakistan and averting an “imminent nuclear war” between the arch-rival nations. After concluding a trip to the Middle East, President Trump sat down with the host of Fox News. He repeatedly emphasized his role as a peacemaker in diffusing escalation between India and Pakistan.

“The biggest success that I have ever been given credit for,” President Trump acknowledged with joy to the Fox News host. He admitted that India and Pakistan are “not a little bit” but “major nuclear powers” and explained how, amid a full-blown war between these two countries, he averted a major mishap in the South Asian region. “They were angry. And the next phase was, probably did you see, what was getting tit for tat. It was getting deeper and more missiles. Everyone was stronger, stronger to a point, with the next one was, you know what the N (Nuclear) word. It’s a very nasty word in lot of ways. The N-word is used in a nuclear sense. It’s the worst thing that can happen. And I think they were very close,” President Trump told the interviewer.

Then he explained what tools he employed to achieve the ceasefire. “The hatred was great and I said, we are going to talk about trade. We are going to do a lot of trade.... I am using trade to settle scores and make peace.” He expressed relief that his efforts bore fruit. “That was going to be a nuclear war I think or close, very close. You were right there. And now everyone is happy.”

President Trump took a moment to mention his relations with Pakistan. “I had a great conversation with Pakistan. You know, we cannot forget them. Because it does take two to tango. And with India, I felt very certain and with Pakistan, I also talked about trade. They would love to trade.” Then he praised Pakistan and its people in a way that has pleasantly surprised diplomats around the world. And that is something Islamabad has long desired. After all, for the last few decades, the US-Pakistan relationship has revolved around antiterrorism cooperation but not trade. “They are brilliant people. They make incredible products. And we don’t do much trade with them. And yet I have a good relationship. In fact, I told my people, call them up. Let’s start trading and meeting because I am a man of my word.” Though the United States of America is the largest trading partner of India, their bilateral trade had touched almost $129bn in 2024. However, it favoured Delhi most as it ran a $45.7bn surplus with Washington. No surprise that in the same breath, President Trump blamed India for hurting US businesses. “India is one of the highest taxed tariff nations in the world. They make it almost impossible to do business,” remarked President Trump. And then he repeated that: “You know they are willing to cut 100% of their tariff for the United States.”

At the same time, Foreign Minister David Lammy said Britain is working with the U.S. to ensure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan endures and that “confidence-building measures” and dialogue take place. Pakistan has said Britain and other countries, in addition to the United States, played a major role in de-escalating the worst fighting in decades between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals, which erupted last week. A rapid diplomatic effort to broker the ceasefire succeeded on May 10, but diplomats and analysts say it remains fragile. “We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that we get an enduring ceasefire, to ensure that dialogue is happening and to work through with Pakistan and India how we can get to confidence and confidence-building measures between the two sides,” Lammy told Reuters in Islamabad at the end of a two-day visit. “These are two neighbours with a long history but they are two neighbours that have barely been able to speak to one other over this past period, and we want to ensure that we do not see further escalation and that the ceasefire endures,” Lammy said. Asked about India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, potentially squeezing Pakistan’s water supply, Lammy said: “We would urge all sides to meet their treaty obligations.” Lammy said Britain would also continue to work with Pakistan on countering “terrorism”, saying that it is “a terrible blight on this country and its people, and of course on the region.” Lammy accused Moscow of obfuscating after talks between Ukraine and Russia on a possible ceasefire ended in less than two hours. “Yet again we are seeing obfuscation on the Russian side and unwillingness to get serious about the enduring peace that is now required in Ukraine,” Lammy said. “Once again Russia is not serious. At what point do we say to Putin enough is enough?” he said.

In another development, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian,

During their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed his warm regards to Supreme Leader Ayatullah Khamenei and thanked President Pezeshkian for Iran’s sincere and brotherly diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in South Asia. He particularly thanked the president for his telephone call to the prime minister last month as well as for sending Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the region during the crisis. The president of Iran expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of civilian lives. He welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace. He said Iran was committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations. They agreed to enhance cooperation in all areas of shared interest, especially trade, connectivity, security and people-to-people contacts. The Iranian president extended an invitation to the prime minister to undertake an official visit to Tehran, which was graciously accepted. In another development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a telephonic contact with Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and asked him to lead the delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace and expose Indian propaganda and conspiracy on the international stage. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accepted the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to lead the delegation. Later, Chairman PPP on the social media platform ‘X’ stated that “was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times.

The multiparty delegation will expose India’s propaganda and efforts to destroy regional peace in London, Washington, Paris and Brussels. The delegation will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace in the region and expose Indian propaganda and conspiracy. The delegation will comprise PMLN leaders Dr. Musadik Malik, Engineer Khurram Dastgir, PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, MQM’s Faisal Sabzwari, former caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and ex-foreign secretary Tahmina Janjua.Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from Turkish FM. The two leaders exchanged views on the recent developments in the region and discussed ways to further strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on matters of mutual interest and promoting regional peace and stability.