Trump praises Field Marshal Asim Munir, PM Sharif at Board of Peace address

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying he played a key role in preventing an escalation between Pakistan and India that could have led to a devastating war.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, Trump also lauded Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing him as “a good and excellent friend” and crediting him with helping save millions of lives during the crisis.

According to Trump, 11 aircraft were downed in the conflict, but through negotiations with Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, a potential war between the nuclear-armed neighbours was averted.

“I like Prime Minister Sharif very much. He and the Field Marshal acted decisively when both countries were on the brink. We suddenly reached a deal that stopped further fighting,” Trump said.

“Pakistan’s Field Marshal is a great general, a great fighter, and a strong man.”

The Board of Peace, inaugurated in Washington, is a multilateral forum aimed at promoting conflict resolution, dialogue, and cooperation between nations facing security challenges.

At the meeting, leaders will discuss strategies to prevent armed conflict in Gaza, enhance diplomatic engagement, and foster trade and economic ties between Israel and Palestine.

Trump further urged Pakistan and India to pursue trade and dialogue, emphasizing that constructive engagement between the two nuclear-armed countries would benefit the region.