ISLAMABAD – US President Donald Trump heaped praise on Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling both “great” and singling out Munir as “a great fighter.”
Trump made remarks at APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, as he again praised leadership, along with his personal intervention, averted full-scale war between two nuclear-armed nations earlier this year.
Recounting the tense moments of the conflict, Trump said reports indicated that “seven planes were shot down” as India and Pakistan exchanged airstrikes, missile attacks, and drone strikes. “They were really going at it, and these are two nuclear nations,” he added.
Trump claimed he immediately called both New Delhi and Islamabad with a stark warning, continued fighting would lead to suspension of US trade deals. “I told Modi, we can’t make a trade deal if you start a war with Pakistan. I told Pakistan the same thing,” he said.
President Trump said his tough stance worked, and within 48 hours, both sides agreed to a ceasefire after he threatened tariffs of up to 250%.
The conflict started after a staged attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which India falsely blamed on Pakistan, though Pakistan denied involvement and labeled India’s claims as “fabrications.” Both nations deployed fighter jets, missiles, artillery, and drones during the short but intense clashes. Pakistan claimed it shot down six Indian jets, including Rafales, while India admitted some losses but disputed the numbers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz later told the UN General Assembly that Pakistan’s air force had “turned seven Indian jets into scrap and dust.” Trump echoed this account, highlighting how rapid diplomacy and firm action prevented a catastrophic regional war.
Field Marshal Asim Munir in Jordan as Pakistan-Jordan forge Military Alliance
