US President Donald Trump announced on September 30 that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have pledged their unequivocal support for his plan to resolve the ongoing Gaza conflict. Speaking at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described the leaders as critical figures in negotiations aimed at peace.
During a detailed presentation, Trump revealed that his administration has consulted extensively with regional allies and partners, affirming their strong involvement. “This afternoon after discussions with our friends and partners, I’m formally releasing our principles for peace, which people have really liked,” he stated.
Trump expressed gratitude for the contributions and guidance from various leaders, particularly from Arab and Muslim nations, in formulating the peace proposal. He characterized the shared efforts of these nations as instrumental in addressing the complexities surrounding the Gaza conflict.
Among those he acknowledged were King Salman of Saudi Arabia, the Emir of Qatar, and leaders from the UAE, Turkey, and Indonesia. Trump’s praise for these leaders underscored their active participation in the peace talks, enabling a collaborative approach to the ongoing situation.
“These leaders have been integral to the negotiations, sharing ideas about what can work and what cannot,” Trump explained. He highlighted the significant contributions of each nation, stating, “We were together with most of these people that I’m mentioning. Others were by phone or the next day.”
Particularly noteworthy was Trump’s mention of the leaders from Pakistan, indicating they were among the first to back the peace proposal. “In fact, they just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact. They said, ‘Sir, you have a big notice from the prime minister of Pakistan and from the field marshal that they back this 100 per cent,’” he added.
Trump’s recently unveiled ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aims to establish a terror-free zone in Gaza, ensuring it no longer poses a threat to neighboring nations. The framework lays out specific steps for immediate cessation of hostilities, including a halt to military operations and the agreement on a withdrawal timeline based on mutual consent between Israel and Palestinian authorities.
Key provisions of the proposal include the coordinated release of hostages, with a structured plan advocating that all alive and deceased hostages be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance. Israel also agreed to release a contingent of Palestinian prisoners from detention as a gesture of goodwill.
In a significant show of regional solidarity, the foreign ministers from major Arab states—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, and Egypt—issued a joint statement commending Trump’s leadership and sincere efforts toward peace. They emphasized their readiness to engage and collaborate constructively with the United States to finalize and implement the agreement.
These ministers highlighted the importance of ensuring a comprehensive solution that facilitates humanitarian aid to Gaza, secures the release of hostages, and reflects the aspirations of the Palestinian people. They reaffirmed their commitment to a durable peace founded on a two-state solution, ensuring the integration of Gaza and the West Bank.
Sharif and Munir met Trump in New York just prior to his announcement during the United Nations General Assembly session. Their ongoing dialogue indicates a strengthening relationship between the United States and Pakistan amidst tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier this year, Trump hosted Field Marshal Munir for discussions, marking a continued engagement strategy with Pakistani leadership. These diplomatic efforts highlight Trump’s commitment not just to solving the conflict but to forging new alliances based on mutual interests in achieving long-term stability in the region.
