The top leadership of Pakistan on Monday welcomed Donald Trump’s second term as the president of the United States and expressed willingness to further strengthen bilateral ties besides working closely for peace and prosperity in the region.
The inauguration ceremony of Trump, the first US president since the 19th century to win a second term after losing the White House, was attended by several influential personalities across the globe at the Rotunda of the US Capitol today where the 78-year-old took oath after his vice president JD Vance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, said: “My warmest congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his assumption of office as the forty-seventh President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-US partnership.”
“Over the years, our two great countries have worked together closely to pursue peace and prosperity in the region and beyond for our peoples & we shall continue to do so in the future. My best wishes to President Trump for a successful second term in office,” he added.
President Asif Ali Zardari has also congratulated Donald Trump for assuming charge as the 47th President of the United States and expressed well wishes for him, the PPP media cell quoted him as saying.
Speaking on Geo News programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hailed President Trump’s inaugural address as “constructive”.
“This is a very commendable development that he [Trump] spoke about playing a role as peacemaker,” the minister said.
He added that President Trump’s resolve to play the role of unifier gives hope to the entire world that the US will “radically amend its role” of instigator.
“We attach too many hopes whether we are in government and or opposition. They [US] don’t see the internal matters of other countries as we do ours.”
Asif said Pakistan is pursuing a very balanced foreign policy and it has very good ties with China, Russia, Central Asia, Iran and other countries.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s response to potential pressure from the Trump administration in favour of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, the defence czar said: “If any statement or tweet comes [in favour of Imran Khan], we [government] are in a position to handle such situation.”
He said Pakistan has contacts and relations in Washington along with a robust diplomatic presence.
“This is not such a situation that mountains will start moving in America for Imran Khan,” he said.
Reactions have started pouring in from global leaders after Trump was sworn in as the president.
British PM Keir Starmer said: “For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership … Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.”
He added: “With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue.”
“Best wishes President @realDonaldTrump,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, “[…] for your tenure as 47th President of the United States.
“The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership.”
— With additional input from Reuters