From Islamabad to India: Sharif’s Trump Praise Stirs a Tweetstorm

Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, sharply criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 28, 2025, for what he described as excessive flattery toward U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Haqqani mocked Sharif's latest praise, quipping that the Pakistani leader remained "in the lead" for gold in the "Olympic sport of flattering" Trump. The exchange unfolded amid Sharif's ongoing admiration for Trump's diplomatic achievements, including a recent nod to his role in resolving border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

This incident highlights the complex interplay of international relations and domestic political commentary in South Asia, where leaders often navigate alliances with global powers like the U.S. Sharif's post, which drew Haqqani's ire, expressed "deep appreciation" to Trump for his "instrumental role in advancing peace" through initiatives such as the Kuala Lumpur Accord and the Gaza Peace Plan.

Sharif highlighted Trump's "resolute efforts" in fostering stability in the Middle East and South Asia, crediting him with "saving millions of lives across the globe." This marks the second time in recent weeks that Sharif has publicly lauded Trump; earlier this month, during the Gaza Summit in Egypt on October 13, Sharif nominated the U.S. president for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his "untiring and relentless efforts" in halting the India-Pakistan conflict and securing ceasefires. Trump, who was overlooked for the prize this year, stood alongside Sharif at the event, amplifying the moment's visibility.

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The controversy echoes broader tensions in Pakistan's foreign policy under Sharif's leadership, where overt overtures to the U.S. have sparked debate among critics like Haqqani, a vocal commentator on Pakistani diplomacy. Haqqani, who served as ambassador from 2008 to 2011, has long advocated for a more independent stance in Islamabad's relations with Washington. Sharif's nominations and praises for Trump—first in Egypt and now on social media—come at a time when U.S.-Pakistan ties are strained by issues like counterterrorism cooperation and regional security. Analysts note that such gestures may aim to bolster bilateral support, but they risk alienating domestic audiences wary of perceived subservience.

Adding an international layer, Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor amplified Haqqani's post by sharing it on his own X account, drawing attention to the satirical jab without additional commentary. Tharoor, known for his witty takes on global affairs, has previously engaged with South Asian diplomatic quirks, including U.S. involvement in the region.

His repost underscores the cross-border resonance of the episode, particularly given Sharif's references to Trump mediating India-Pakistan disputes—a narrative that has long been contested by New Delhi. As social media fuels such exchanges, it serves as a barometer for public sentiment in an era of rapid-fire international diplomacy.

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