Trump explains why Gen Asim Munir holds the title of Field Marshal

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump once again praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling them “great men” during a speech on Wednesday.

Trump also revisited and lauded his role in ending the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May this year.

Earlier this month, Trump had thanked Prime Minister Sharif and his “favourite” Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts toward peace in Gaza, describing both as “great personalities” and even offering to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Speaking at a luncheon during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump referred to the India-Pakistan conflict, saying he held both leaders in high regard.

“I’m making a trade deal with India, and as you know, I have great respect and affection for Prime Minister Narendra Modi — we have an excellent relationship,” Trump said.

“Similarly, Pakistan’s prime minister is a wonderful person, and there’s a field marshal there — do you know why he’s a field marshal? Because he’s a great fighter, truly a remarkable man.”

Trump recalled telling Modi over the phone, “We can’t do a trade deal with you,” to which Modi insisted they must. “I said, ‘No, we can’t, you’re starting a war with Pakistan,’” he recounted.

He said that he delivered a similar message to Pakistan’s leadership: “I told them, ‘We won’t trade with you because you’re fighting India.’ Both said, ‘No, no, let us fight,’” Trump joked, calling them “really fighting nations.”

Laughing, Trump described Modi as “the most beautiful person” and mimicked him, saying, “He’s a tough and tremendous man.”

“Two days later, both countries called and said, ‘We understand,’ and they stopped fighting,” Trump added. “Isn’t that amazing? Do you think Biden could do that? I don’t think so.”

Trump claimed his success was due to his tough trade policy, saying, “I threatened both countries with a 250 per cent tariff, which meant they’d never be able to trade again — and within 48 hours, there was no war, no casualties.”

It is worth recalling that on April 22, 2025, India accused Pakistan — without providing evidence — of involvement in an attack on Hindu pilgrims in occupied Kashmir. On May 6, India carried out airstrikes targeting civilian areas and mosques inside Pakistan, triggering a brief war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

During the four-day conflict, both sides used fighter jets, missiles, artillery and drones, resulting in dozens of casualties. A ceasefire was later reached, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down six Indian Rafale jets, while India admitted to “some losses” but denied losing six aircraft.

In his address to the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that “the Pakistan Air Force turned seven Indian jets to dust,” a figure Trump has repeatedly cited when recalling the episode.