The United States and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to a “true strategic partnership,” as Pakistan highlighted its diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue linked to tensions involving Iran, and longstanding cooperation between the two nations.
The reaffirmation came during an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, where both sides underscored the strength and evolving nature of bilateral ties spanning nearly eight decades.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the bilateral relationship as a “true and special relationship,” noting that cooperation between the two countries extends across security, counter-terrorism, trade, investment, agriculture, energy, science, education, health, and people-to-people exchanges.
He said Pakistan had consistently worked with the United States at critical junctures in modern history, including the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s and the post-9/11 counter-terrorism campaign.
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
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker said Washington and Islamabad now view each other as “true strategic partners,” emphasizing that the relationship has moved beyond transactional engagement.
“Today, our relationship is not just transactional, but a partnership grounded in mutual respect, aligned interests and a shared vision for security and prosperity,” she said.
Baker credited U.S. President Donald Trump with adopting a results-oriented approach toward Pakistan, focusing on crisis management and practical cooperation.
She said President Trump acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir in helping secure a ceasefire in May 2025, describing it as a key contribution to preventing escalation between nuclear-armed neighbors.
According to Baker, the bilateral relationship deepened further after a meeting between President Trump and Pakistan’s leadership at the White House in September 2025, which she said reflected growing trust at the highest levels of both governments.
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“President Trump’s engagement — including direct communication during moments of regional crisis — reflects the belief that a strong Pakistan is good for America, and a strong America is good for Pakistan,” she said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also referred to the Pakistan-India confrontation following the Pahalgam incident, crediting President Trump’s intervention for helping secure a ceasefire on May 10, 2025.
He said Pakistan remained “grateful” for efforts that helped restore peace in South Asia and prevent further escalation between nuclear-armed states.
Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s emerging diplomatic role, noting its facilitation efforts in contacts involving the United States and Iran, and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Islamabad by both sides.
Recalling historical ties, Shehbaz said the United States was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan after independence, adding that bilateral relations had steadily expanded across multiple sectors over the decades.
He also praised American ideals of liberty, democracy, and human dignity, describing the United States as a nation built on resilience, optimism, and innovation.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
