ISLAMABAD, Thursday, June 4, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan and the United States were moving beyond a traditional diplomatic partnership toward a broader relationship rooted in people-to-people links, education, investment and shared economic opportunity, as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States, the prime minister said the foundation of Pakistan-US relations had expanded over decades and now rested not only on security cooperation but increasingly on trade, innovation and human connectivity between the two societies.
He said Pakistan and the United States had built a strong relationship based on cooperation in diverse fields, including security, counterterrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges.
The prime minister noted that the United States was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan following its independence. He recalled that then US President Harry S. Truman had sent a congratulatory message to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations.
Highlighting the contributions of the United States to Pakistan’s development, Shehbaz Sharif said American support had played a significant role in advancing the Green Revolution, the construction of Tarbela Dam, the establishment of educational institutions and the financing of key infrastructure projects across the country.
He appreciated the contribution of thousands of Pakistani graduates from American universities and professionals trained in the United States who were serving Pakistan in various sectors, including academia, public service, entrepreneurship and the economy.
The prime minister said nearly one million Pakistani-Americans were serving as a strong bridge between the two nations, while around 80 leading American companies had invested in Pakistan, reflecting the growing strength of bilateral economic ties.
He said Pakistan was well-positioned to increase its information technology exports, with the United States continuing to be one of its most important markets.
Referring to cooperation on regional and international issues, Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries had worked closely during important periods of history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the global fight against terrorism.
The prime minister also acknowledged the role of US President Donald Trump in promoting peace and stability in South Asia.
“We shall forever remain grateful to President Trump for restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of people. In this context, he will always be remembered as a man of peace,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was currently playing a sincere role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran and appreciated the trust placed in Pakistan by both countries. He also commended the efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in promoting regional peace and stability.
The prime minister praised US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and the American diplomatic mission in Pakistan for their efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed confidence that the friendship between Pakistan and the United States would continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of both nations.
He further noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had held an excellent meeting in Washington last week, during which they discussed bilateral relations as well as regional cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, members of the business community and representatives from various sectors, reflecting the importance both countries attach to their longstanding partnership and future cooperation.
