Trade, investment and Gaza: What Trump, Sharif discussed at White House today

The high-level meeting, which also included Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir, marks a strategic shift in US-Pakistan bilateral ties.

Updated on: Sep 26, 2025, 17:20:28 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump on Thursday held a high-stakes meeting at the White House to discuss a wide range of issues, including American investment in Pakistan and the resolution of the Gaza conflict.

US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. (ANI)

The meeting, which also included Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir, focused on economically and diplomatically moving US-Pakistan ties.

The Pakistani prime minister earmarked the agriculture, technology, mining and energy sectors for investment from US companies, his office said in a statement. Trump previously called for American companies to explore for oil in Pakistan.

Also Read | India, US to push for early conclusion on mutually beneficial trade deal: Govt amid tariff row

"The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that under President Trump's leadership, the Pakistan-US partnership would be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries," it said.

While, there was no immediate statement from the White House. Just before the meeting, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Munir "is a very great guy, and so is the prime minister".

What did Trump-Sharif discuss at White House today:

At the heart of Sharif's agenda was a clear message: Pakistan is open for business.

Sharif extended an invitation to American companies to invest in key sectors of Pakistan's economy, including agriculture, technology, mining, and energy.

Also Read | How Trump's 100% tariff on pharma imports could impact India. Explained

PM Sharif's office also confirmed that the prime minister highlighted the country's untapped potential and urged US firms to explore these sectors as part of a broader strategic partnership.

"The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that under President Trump's leadership, the Pakistan-US partnership would be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries," it said.

Focus on Gaza and the Middle East

Another key point of discussion was the escalating conflict in Gaza. Sharif reportedly praised Trump's efforts to broker peace in the region, particularly his push for an immediate ceasefire.

Also Read | Another US blow to India as senator seeks curbs on work permits after student visa

The prime minister's office said that Sharif "lauded President Trump's efforts to bring about an immediate end to the war in Gaza".

Earlier in the week, Trump met with several leaders from Muslim-majority countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where he unveiled a 21-point Middle East peace plan, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Sharif was among the few leaders from the Islamic world invited to those discussions.

Also Read | Delhi man applying for US tourist visa advised to ‘see his own country first’

Earlier this month, Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, as many Arab nations feel a rising threat from Israel. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation and also boasts the largest army among them.

Thursday's meeting was the first White House sit-down with a Pakistani civilian leader since Trump's 2019 meeting with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.