Shehbaz Sharif’s Praise for Donald Trump Draws Mockery and Sparks Debate

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reignited controversy after publicly commending former US president Donald Trump for what he described as a significant role in promoting global peace. The social media post attracted a sharp response from former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani, who mocked the praise, while Indian MP Shashi Tharoor helped spread the exchange by resharing Haqqani’s comment.

On X (formerly Twitter), Sharif credited Trump with helping ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and referenced the Kuala Lumpur Accord and the Gaza Peace Plan as examples of his impact. In his post the prime minister expressed "deep appreciation" for Trump’s efforts, saying they had saved lives and advanced stability in several regions.

Sharif also said he had formally nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling him a "global leader for peace." The remarks mirror comments he made weeks earlier at the Gaza summit in Egypt, where he similarly praised the former president's role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Responding on social media, ex-envoy Husain Haqqani posted a sarcastic jab, saying Sharif was leading "the Olympic sport of flattering Trump." The remark quickly gained traction online and reignited discussion both inside Pakistan and internationally.

Indian MP Shashi Tharoor further amplified the debate by sharing Haqqani’s post. South Asian users on social platforms were divided: some described Sharif’s repeated praise as "embarrassing Pakistan," while others interpreted it as an attempt to strengthen ties with the United States.

This is not the first instance of public praise: at the recent Gaza summit Sharif lauded Trump’s "untiring and relentless efforts," asserting that Pakistan had nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize for helping to halt hostilities and secure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Sharif said he planned to renew the Nobel nomination, claiming Trump had "saved millions of lives" across South Asia and the Middle East. Opposition leaders and many citizens criticised the move as excessive flattery and questioned its diplomatic rationale.

Analysts say the episode highlights how domestic politics and foreign policy intersect in South Asia, where gestures toward major powers are closely scrutinised. Supporters argue Sharif is seeking constructive engagement with the US, while opponents warn such public endorsements could weaken Pakistan's diplomatic standing.

With reactions from Haqqani and Tharoor prolonging the conversation, debate continues over whether Sharif's repeated commendations are strategic or performative. The Sharif–Trump exchange remains a widely discussed diplomatic story in the region.