Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif sidelined in group photos at meeting hosted by Donald Trump

Washington: The recent US visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has drawn criticism and sparked debate, with several moments from the meeting attracting attention on social media. During a gathering of the Board of Peace hosted by US President Donald Trump, Sharif’s gestures and interactions became widely discussed online, with some users mocking his conduct.

One of the most talked-about incidents involved a viral video in which Sharif appeared to salute Trump in an unusual manner, prompting criticism from various quarters. Some commentators described the episode as diplomatically awkward and questioned whether proper protocol had been followed.

Observers also pointed to official group photographs from the meeting, noting that Sharif appeared at the edge of the lineup while Trump stood at the centre with senior officials. Some analysts viewed this as an indication of Pakistan’s limited role at the event.

Another moment that drew attention occurred when Trump asked Sharif to stand during the gathering. While the exchange appeared light-hearted, critics in Pakistan used the incident to question the government’s diplomatic approach. During his remarks, Sharif praised Trump’s role in promoting peace and claimed he had helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan, a statement that Indian officials later rejected.

The visit has triggered political reactions within Pakistan, where opposition leaders criticised the government’s handling of the trip. Some accused the leadership of failing to consult Parliament before attending the meeting and questioned the country’s diplomatic stance.

The international meeting, attended by representatives from more than 40 countries, focused on humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Although Pakistan participated in the discussions, it was not included among the countries expected to contribute to the proposed international stabilisat

ion force.