Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a key role in finalizing what he described as a “historic” trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States — a deal expected to reshape bilateral economic ties.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz wrote:

“I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump [@realDonaldTrump] for his leadership role in finalization of the historic US-Pakistan trade agreement, successfully concluded by our two sides in Washington, last night. This landmark deal will enhance our growing cooperation so as to expand the frontiers of our enduring partnership in days to come.”

The trade deal, announced earlier by Trump via his platform Truth Social, outlines significant steps including tariff reductions, expanded access for Pakistani exports in American markets, and a joint initiative to explore Pakistan’s untapped oil reserves.

Trump hailed the agreement as a “strategic partnership,” stating,

“We have finalized a big trade deal with Pakistan. We will explore oil reserves together with Pakistan. So much oil will be extracted that we may even be able to sell it to India.”

The agreement emerged from a high-level meeting in Washington between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also present.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance said the comprehensive pact aims to deepen cooperation in critical areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, mineral exploration, and cryptocurrency regulation. Officials believe this will bolster Pakistan’s export potential and attract foreign investment through more favorable trade terms.

Central to the agreement is the collaborative development of Pakistan’s oil reserves. According to Trump, the U.S. is now in the process of selecting an international oil company to spearhead exploration, ensuring transparency and mutual confidence in the venture.

This landmark development comes amid broader shifts in Trump’s global trade policy stance. While he extends an economic olive branch to Pakistan, Trump has also announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports starting August 1, and is eyeing a separate trade deal with China, with a deadline set for mid-August.

The U.S.-Pakistan trade pact could mark a turning point in their relationship, offering Pakistan a new platform for economic growth while strengthening strategic ties in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.