ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN Sept 29, 2025 – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement on Monday, September 29, 2025, welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, marking a notable diplomatic stance from Pakistan. Sharif expressed confidence in Trump’s leadership, praising the role of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and advocating for a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace between Palestinians and Israel.
The announcement comes amid heightened Middle East tensions following a recent joint U.S.-Israel military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which has complicated peace negotiations. Sharif’s support for the plan, which builds on Trump’s 2020 “Peace to Prosperity” proposal—previously rejected by Palestinians—signals a potential shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy. Historically, Pakistan has opposed recognizing Israel, a stance dating back to its 1947 vote against the UN Partition Plan for Palestine, adding significant domestic and regional complexity to this move.
The two-state solution aligns with recent actions by France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, which recognized Palestine as a state, a step endorsed by 142 UN member states. Meanwhile, a coalition of six nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, issued a joint statement on Monday supporting Trump’s peace efforts and opposing West Bank annexation, further bolstering the international backing for the proposal.
However, Sharif’s endorsement has sparked debate, with critics questioning its implications for Pakistan’s traditional position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the region watches closely, the success of Trump’s plan hinges on Hamas’s response and the broader diplomatic landscape.