Trump Hails PM Shehbaz, “Tough Fighter” Field Marshal Asim Munir at Board of Peace Meeting

Washington, February 20, 2026 – US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Asim Munir, during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington.

Speaking at the session, Trump said, “I like this man of Pakistan,” referring to PM Shehbaz. He also described Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “tough, serious fighter” and “a great guy,” praising his professionalism.

Reference to Pakistan–India Conflict

Recalling last year’s Pakistan–India military escalation, Trump said there was active fighting when he first engaged with the Pakistani leadership. He reiterated his claim that he played a key role in halting the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The confrontation, described as one of the worst in decades, was triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the attack, an allegation Pakistan denied while offering participation in a neutral investigation.

During the clashes, both sides reported aerial engagements and cross-border hostilities. The conflict lasted approximately 87 hours before ending on May 10 with a ceasefire reportedly brokered by the United States.

Trump Claims Role in Ceasefire

At the Board of Peace meeting, Trump repeated his assertion that his administration’s diplomatic pressure, including the threat of imposing 200% tariffs, contributed to securing the ceasefire.

He stated that multiple aircraft were shot down during the fighting, revising the tally to “11 very expensive planes” lost in the confrontation.

Trump also referenced remarks by PM Shehbaz, who had previously credited him with helping prevent a wider war between the two nations.

The US president concluded by again commending Field Marshal Munir’s leadership during the conflict and emphasizing the importance of peace between Pakistan and India for regional stability.