Pakistan, US hail ties as ‘true and special relationship’

• PM Shehbaz marks US 250th anniversary, hails nearly eight decades of enduring Pakistan-US relations

• Says Pakistan-US ties are evolving into a broader strategic partnership, recalling close cooperation at key moments with Washington

• Recalls early US recognition of Pakistan and Truman’s message to Quaid-e-Azam

• Says cooperation spans security, counterterrorism, energy, science and education

• Credits US role in key historical moments including Afghanistan war and terror era

• Hails Trump’s intervention in May 10 ceasefire following Pahalgam incident

• US envoy calls ties ‘true strategic partnership’ based on mutual respect and trust

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored the “true and special relationship” between Pakistan and the United States, spanning nearly eight decades, and encompassing cooperation in security, counterterrorism, energy and science, saying the partnership is now steadily evolving into a broader engagement rooted in people-to-people ties, education, investment and shared economic opportunity.

He said both countries are looking to deepen cooperation in the years ahead across emerging areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses at a ceremony celebrating 250th Independence anniversary of the United States of America (4 June, 2026). pic.twitter.com/BjcGU3oT9V

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 4, 2026

Addressing an event marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, the prime minister recalled that the United States was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan following its independence. He noted that then US President Harry Truman had sent a congratulatory message to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations.

"The foundation of Pakistan-US relations has expanded over decades and now rests not only on security cooperation, but increasingly on trade, innovation and human connectivity between the two societies. Pakistan and the US have built a strong relationship based on cooperation in… pic.twitter.com/lZX1expfpb

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz said Islamabad and Washington had worked closely at some of the most consequential moments in history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the global war on terror from 2001 to 2021.

He further said that last year, following India’s “unprovoked aggression” after the Pahalgam incident, it was the timely and decisive intervention of then US President Donald Trump that helped secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10.

“We shall forever remain grateful to President Trump for restoring peace in South Asia and saving millions of lives. In this context, he will always be remembered as a man of peace,” he added.

The prime minister described the Pakistan-US relationship as a “true and special partnership” spanning almost eight decades, covering not only security and counterterrorism but also trade, investment, agriculture, science, education, health, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

“Natalie Baker, you have been an excellent representative of the United States in Pakistan. Through your energetic, passionate and sincere engagement, you have helped bring our two countries even closer together. I also wish to commend the dedicated team at the U.S. Embassy and… pic.twitter.com/4NePoMVqHq

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026

He also lauded the vision of America’s founding fathers, highlighting their principles of liberty, self-government and human dignity.

“The story of America is one of hope and optimism, grounded in the belief that a better tomorrow can be shaped through hard work and perseverance,” he said, adding that under President Trump’s “bold and visionary leadership,” the United States continues to advance peace, progress and prosperity while inspiring confidence and dynamism in global affairs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that President Trump had brought “energy and resolve” to US international engagement and pursuit of its interests.

“Our two countries have worked closely at the most consequential moments of our history, whether it be the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s or the global war order from 2001 to 2021. Last year, following India's unprovoked aggression after the Pahalgam incident, it was… pic.twitter.com/voxAA80jwE

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026

He also acknowledged longstanding American support for Pakistan’s development, including assistance in the “green revolution” through UC Davis, the construction of the Tarbela Dam, and the establishment of institutions such as LUMS in Lahore, as well as financing critical infrastructure projects that continue to serve the country.

He thanked Washington for its cooperation across multiple fields and noted that thousands of Pakistani graduates from US universities, along with scientists, teachers and researchers, continue to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economy, academia, public service and entrepreneurship.

“We fondly remember American support in advancing our Green Revolution through UC Davis, in the construction of the Tarbela Dam, in building centers of excellence like LUMS at Lahore and in financing critical infrastructure around the country that continue to serve the Pakistani… pic.twitter.com/YMQLDz96KJ

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2026

He added that the United States hosts some of the world’s leading hospitals where medical professionals from across the globe, including many Pakistanis, are working together to save lives and restore hope.

The prime minister also highlighted the nearly one million Pakistani-Americans living in the United States, describing them as a vital bridge between the two countries, along with the presence of around 80 US companies operating in Pakistan.

He further said that Pakistan is “proudly and sincerely” playing a mediatory role between the United States and Iran, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in Islamabad by both sides.

He thanked Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in ongoing peace efforts, and noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently visited Washington to discuss regional and bilateral cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“As I speak, these efforts continue with the support of Iran and the United States, and we pray that lasting peace is achieved as soon as possible,” he said.

 Islamabad-Washington ‘true strategic partners’

US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker said Islamabad and Washington have embraced each other as “true strategic partners” under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Donald Trump.

She said the relationship is “not just transactional, but grounded in mutual respect, aligned interests and a shared vision for security and prosperity.”

“President Trump’s approach to Pakistan has been direct, personal and consequential. From his earliest days back in office, he made clear that America’s engagement with Pakistan would be defined by results — by deals made, crises managed and opportunities seized,” she said.

She further noted that President Trump credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for helping secure the May 2025 ceasefire, calling it a “major contribution to preventing war between nuclear-armed neighbours.”

“The statesmanship of Pakistan’s leaders, and their willingness to de-escalate a dangerous confrontation, is not forgotten in Washington; it is admired, and it opened a new chapter,” she added.

She also referred to the September 2025 meeting at the Oval Office between President Trump, the prime minister and the field marshal, describing it as evidence of “extraordinary trust and regard” at the highest level.

Baker said President Trump’s direct engagement — including high-level meetings and crisis-time communication — reflected the belief that “a strong Pakistan is good for America, and a strong America is good for Pakistan.”