Marco Rubio Calls Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan PM Thanks US For 'Role' In Ceasefire With India
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Sources say Sharif aims to internationalise the Kashmir issue and solidify domestic support amidst the challenges posed by Imran Khan
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday evening, with discussions also covering India and the Iran-Israel tensions, CNN-News18 has learnt.
During their conversation, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Donald Trump's leadership in securing the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. He also thanked Secretary Rubio for 'the US role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire", despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's denial of mediation. Both leaders agreed to continue strengthening Pakistan-US relations, with a focus on enhanced trade.
Sharif assured that Pakistan would maintain its constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East. Secretary Rubio acknowledged these efforts and expressed the US's interest in collaborating with Pakistan to ensure regional stability.
Top diplomatic sources said that Shehbaz Sharif is keen to present Pakistan as a mediator between the US and China for issues concerning the Muslim Ummah. His public appreciation of the US aims to internationalise the Kashmir issue and solidify domestic support amidst the challenges posed by Imran Khan, they added.
Despite the downgraded protocol of this call, with General Asim Munir being the main power broker engaging directly with top US officials, Shehbaz Sharif seeks US recognition to bolster his legitimacy, especially after President Trump's meeting with Pakistan's army chief, the sources said. Facing an economic crisis and the looming influence of China, Shehbaz is striving to secure trade concessions, aid, and IMF loan relaxations from the US while carefully managing relations with China, they said.
The international community recognises Pakistan's difficulties following the conflict with India and sees Shehbaz's actions as an attempt to address domestic concerns by crediting the US for the ceasefire, the sources said.
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Manoj Gupta
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
First Published:
June 27, 2025, 02:38 IST
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