Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived at the White House for an official meeting with US President Donald Trump, accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“We have a great leader coming – the Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with the Field Marshal of Pakistan. Field Marshal is a very great guy, and so is the Prime Minister. Both are coming, and they may be in this room right now,” said Trump.
we have a great leader coming, we have the Prime Minister of Pakistan coming and the Field Marshal Pakistan. Field Marshal is a very great guy and so is the Prime Minister, both. And they’re coming and they may be in this room right now. pic.twitter.com/2yg654ER07
— Muneeb Farooq (@muneebfaruqpak) September 25, 2025
The two leaders are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest, regional stability, and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the US.
Upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday, the PM received a red-carpet welcome from senior officials of the US Air Force. His motorcade departed the base under strict American security protocols, reflecting the high importance of the visit.
A notable achievement in recent months has been the signing of a trade agreement between Pakistan and the US.
This deal includes provisions for reducing tariffs and exploring joint ventures in sectors such as energy and technology. The agreement is expected to bolster economic ties and open new avenues for investment.
In September, a $500 million deal was signed with US-based United States Strategic Metals to develop Pakistan’s mineral sector, focusing on resources like antimony, copper, and rare earth elements.
This initiative aims to support clean energy and defence sectors, with a refinery planned in Pakistan to supply US markets.
Partnership with Gates Foundation
PM Shehbaz also met Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation during a meeting with Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He made the remarks, “Polio eradication remains a high priority, and partnership with the Gates Foundation is vital to achieve this objective,” he said.
According to state broadcaster RadioPakistan, he acknowledged the Foundation’s support in health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and relief efforts during both the 2022 and 2025 floods, and stressed continued cooperation to advance socio-economic development in Pakistan.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives on economic reforms, cashless digitization, and economic revitalization, PM praised the practical and valuable cooperation of the Gates Foundation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaboration across health, nutrition, digital transformation, and broader socio-economic development.
Climate Finance and Green Initiatives
At a Special Climate Event convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of Brazil, Shehbaz Sharif called on the international community to honor its climate finance commitments.
“Debt-driven finance cannot address the climate catastrophe confronting vulnerable nations like Pakistan,” he said, recalling the country’s devastating floods of 2022 that caused losses exceeding $30 billion and displaced millions.
PM calls upon the international community to honour its climate finance commitment
He also warned that this year’s intense monsoon rains have impacted “over five million people, destroyed 4,100 villages, and claimed more than 1,000 lives.”
Bangladesh and beyond
During his meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to “constructive and forward-looking ties, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations of regional peace and prosperity.”
The two leaders reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Shehbaz, Bangladesh Chief Adviser discuss bilateral ties
The Chief Adviser welcomed Pakistan’s proactive engagement and highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and cultural linkages.
Also Read: PM seeks stronger ties with Kuwait
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar inaugurated the newly renovated Consular Services Area at the historic Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, established in 1948.
Speaking at the event, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serve overseas Pakistanis with “dignity, efficiency, and the best possible services.”
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 inaugurated the newly renovated Consular Services Area at the historic Consulate General of Pakistan in New York.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to serve overseas Pakistanis with dignity & efficiency, and lauded the… pic.twitter.com/5U30qi4iIu
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 25, 2025
According to Foreign Office press release, he highlighted reforms including the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis, evidence recording via video link from missions abroad, e-filing of cases, facilitation in taxation and banking, reserved university and medical college quotas for overseas Pakistanis’ children, the revival of the Green Channel at airports, and the introduction of the Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility for 126 countries.
https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1971109429220356145
The upgraded consulate now features a 24-hour emergency helpline, an online appointment system, improved NADRA services, a Punjab Land Record kiosk, upgraded telephone and call management systems, adoption of online Power of Attorney, regular E-Kachehris, community town halls, and enhanced cultural and economic outreach.
Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai thanked Senator Ishaq Dar for his guidance and support, noting that the renovations ensure uninterrupted services while improving community facilitation.
Dar also held multiple bilateral meetings during the UNGA sidelines. He met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X about the meetings
https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1971137411519479911
He also met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, on the margins of #UNGA80.
Both leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral ties. They agreed to enhance engagement across diverse… pic.twitter.com/gVdTfsrTmI
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 25, 2025
Both leaders reaffirmed strong ties, agreed to expand collaboration across economic, regional, and multilateral platforms, and underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Prime Minister Shehbaz left London on Monday for New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will address the 193-member Assembly on September 26, covering the crisis in Gaza, the right to self-determination in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), climate change, and other global concerns.
