Doing Terrifically Well: President Trump Praises Pakistan’s Leadership Amid Afghan Conflict

WASHINGTON D.C. — In a significant diplomatic boost for Islamabad, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for Pakistan’s handling of the escalating border conflict with Afghanistan. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday, February 27, 2026, the President signaled that while he is open to mediating, he believes Pakistan is currently moving in the “right direction.”

“I Get Along with Pakistan Very Well”

When asked by the media if the United States would intervene in the “open war” between the two neighbors, President Trump highlighted his personal rapport with Pakistan’s top leadership:

• The Quote: “Well, I would (intervene), but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well. You have a great Prime Minister, you have a great General there… I think two of the people that I really respect a lot.”
• The Assessment: The President explicitly stated, “I think Pakistan is doing terrifically well,” referring to the military’s response under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.

Respect for “A Great General and Prime Minister”

Trump’s remarks specifically singled out Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (Chief of Defence Forces):

• He described them as “strong leadership” that is managing a difficult situation effectively.
• Analysts suggest this rhetoric marks a departure from previous U.S. administrations, reflecting a strengthened strategic partnership between the Trump White House and Islamabad.

U.S. Official Stance: Supporting the “Right to Defend”

Complementing the President’s informal remarks, the U.S. State Department issued a formal statement on Friday:

• Self-Defense: Washington officially supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against attacks from the Afghan Taliban, whom the U.S. classifies as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” group.
• Diplomatic Support: Under Secretary of State Allison M. Hooker held a call with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to offer condolences for the 12 martyred soldiers and reaffirm that the U.S. is “monitoring the situation closely” in favor of Pakistan’s security.

Global Reaction & Intervention

While Trump indicated he might not intervene immediately because Pakistan is “handling things well,” other nations and organizations have taken a different tone:

• UN & Red Cross: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the ICRC have called for an immediate ceasefire, citing concerns over civilian impact.
• Other Mediators: China, Iran, and Qatar have offered to facilitate dialogue, though Pakistan’s Defence Ministry has maintained that operations will continue until the “Khawarij” (TTP) threats are neutralized.

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