Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, a development that comes weeks after the two countries reached a trade agreement, according to reports.
The visit is being seen as part of a renewed phase in US-Pakistan relations, which have improved in recent months after a period of strain.
The ties between Washington and Islamabad had long been shaped by regional security concerns, but they have gained a new dimension under Trump, who has sought closer engagement.
In July, both sides concluded a trade deal that included a 19 percent tariff imposed by the US, marking a step forward in their economic ties. Earlier this year, Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in a rare White House meeting that underlined the importance of Pakistan’s military leadership in the bilateral equation.
At the same time, US relations with India have come under pressure. Visa hurdles, high tariffs on Indian goods and Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after their latest border clashes have unsettled New Delhi.
Analysts have pointed out that India, while continuing its partnership with Washington, has also moved to strengthen engagement with China as a counterbalance.
Officials in Washington have maintained that the Trump administration is addressing multiple issues with Pakistan, including counter-terrorism and trade, while also continuing to call India a close friend and an important partner for the future.
According to reports, planning is also under way for a summit of the Quad grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the US, which New Delhi was expected to host later this year or in early 2026.
The backdrop to Sharif’s visit also includes Pakistan’s support for Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Sharif was also present at a meeting Trump held this week with leaders of several Muslim-majority nations, where the discussions centred on the continuing conflict in Gaza. The US said it had presented peace proposals to the participating countries during those talks, which took place alongside the UN General Assembly in New York.
