Bilawal Commends Trump’s Peace Initiatives
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that former US President Donald Trump’s efforts for peace are “commendable” and should be recognized at the international level. Speaking after a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Bilawal remarked that Trump was deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in easing regional tensions.
Bilawal credited Trump for contributing to the Pakistan–India ceasefire agreement, describing the intervention as “unforgettable” and instrumental in preventing a further escalation of hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The ceasefire, reaffirmed in February 2021, aimed to reduce cross-border firing along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region, which has been a longstanding flashpoint.
High-Level Meeting in Islamabad
The comments came during Bilawal’s meeting with a senior director from the United States National Security Council (NSC) at Zardari House, Islamabad. Also present were Asifa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman, and US Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, Natalie Baker.
The gathering covered a range of topics, including the strengthening of bilateral relations, regional security concerns, and opportunities for trade and diplomatic cooperation. Both sides discussed ways to enhance mutual understanding and build on recent agreements.
Praise for Ceasefire Mediation
In his remarks, Bilawal highlighted Trump’s involvement in facilitating communication between Islamabad and New Delhi during a period of heightened tension. While the exact nature of Washington’s mediation was never officially detailed, analysts have noted that US diplomatic engagement helped both sides recommit to the 2003 ceasefire agreement.
“The efforts of President Trump in reducing tensions in the region are invaluable,” Bilawal said. “His contribution to the Pakistan–India ceasefire is a service to global peace and stability.”
South Asia has experienced multiple military stand-offs in recent decades, with the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes being among the most serious escalations. The February 2021 ceasefire understanding, to which Trump’s administration lent diplomatic support, was seen as a rare moment of de-escalation.
Economic Cooperation Welcomed
Beyond security, Bilawal also welcomed recent trade agreements between Pakistan and the United States, similar to the one praised in PM Shehbaz Thanks Trump for Historic US-Pakistan Trade Deal, calling them an important step towards economic growth. He stressed that Pakistan was keen to expand economic ties with the global community, noting that stronger trade links could bring “a new era of development and prosperity” to the region.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States stood at approximately $8.4 billion in 2022, making the US one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations. Textile products, leather goods, and agricultural items are among the key exports, while imports from the US include machinery, agricultural equipment, and technology.
Broader Diplomatic Context
Relations between Islamabad and Washington have seen periods of both cooperation and strain over the past two decades, often shaped by security concerns, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional geopolitics. The recent emphasis on trade and diplomatic engagement reflects a shift towards a more diversified partnership.
While Bilawal’s public praise for Trump’s peace efforts is notable, it also reflects Pakistan’s broader interest in maintaining strong ties with the United States, regardless of the administration in power. The PPP chairman’s remarks suggest a willingness to recognize contributions from leaders across the political spectrum when such efforts align with Pakistan’s national interest.
Looking Ahead
For Pakistan, the challenge will be to sustain the momentum in both peace and trade initiatives. The region remains volatile, and the durability of the ceasefire depends on continued diplomatic engagement.
As Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s comments underline, acknowledging international actors who contribute to stability can help strengthen bilateral goodwill and encourage further cooperation. Whether such gestures translate into lasting peace remains to be seen, but they send a clear message that Islamabad values dialogue over confrontation.
