'True and special relationship': PM Shehbaz lauds 8 decades of Pak-US ties on America's 250th anniversary

On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif celebrated Pakistan’s long-standing relationship with the United States, calling it a "true and special relationship," at an event for America's 250th independence anniversary. This bash went down at the US Embassy in Islamabad.

Alongside US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Sharif sent his best wishes to the American people and their leaders. He underlined how both nations should be proud of their collaboration in multiple areas, from security and counterterrorism to trade, education, and cultural ties.

"Our bond has stuck around almost eighty years," Sharif stated, "shining through in many fields." So while Pakistanis mark the USA’s 250-year journey, they'll toast to the enduring links that bind the two countries together, in more ways than one.

“The US was among the first nations to recognise Pakistan upon independence when Harry Truman wrote a congratulatory letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, welcoming Pakistan into the community of nations,” he said, while also praising US support for Pakistan’s Green Revolution and in the fields of development and education.

The prime minister said the story of the US was one of hope and optimism, rooted in enduring beliefs that could shape a better tomorrow through hard work and perseverance today.

“Today, under the bold and visionary leadership of President Trump, the US continues to inspire confidence and optimism while advancing peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said.

The prime minister commended the US corporate sector for continued investment in Pakistan, noting that around 80 major US companies were operating in the country.

He said Pakistan was poised to expand its IT exports, supported by one of the largest freelance workforces in the world, adding that the US remained a key destination in this regard.

Referring to the long-standing partnership between the two countries, he said Pakistan and the United States had worked closely during some of the most consequential moments in history, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the post-9/11 period from 2001 to 2021.

He once again praised President Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following what he described as India’s unprovoked actions last year after the Pahalgam incident.