Pakistan ready to work with Trump admin: PM

During a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with the Trump administration to strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening trade, IT, agriculture, health, education, and energy ties with the US. He also highlighted the need for counterterrorism cooperation, particularly against the militant Islamic State and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.  

US Ambassador Donald Blome assured Pakistan of continued engagement to enhance bilateral relations. However, no high-level contact has taken place between Islamabad and Washington since Donald Trump returned to the White House, indicating shifting priorities in US foreign policy.  

During a federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz was informed that 98% of government departments had implemented the e-Office system, making operations paperless. He directed full implementation in all ministries by March.  

The prime minister also shared details of a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, confirming the renewal of Saudi Arabia’s $100 million per month deferred oil payment facility for another year.  

The cabinet approved Pakistan’s participation in an international legal agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect marine resources. It also appointed Kamran Jahangir as MD of the National Book Foundation and Dr. Shahid Aslam Mirza as MD of Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority.  

In a meeting with World Bank officials, PM Shehbaz praised the institution’s support for Pakistan’s development projects. He highlighted the recently introduced Country Partnership Framework, which includes a $40 billion investment plan, boosting economic confidence.