ISLAMABAD – Pakistani diplomatic officials have categorically denied media reports claiming that former US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Pakistan on September 18.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry told Anadolu Agency that the news was “entirely fake,” adding that Trump’s confirmed schedule places him in the UK between September 17 and 19.
“We have no information about any such visit. If there was any plan, the Foreign Ministry would make an official announcement,” the official stated.
The clarification came after some local television channels reported that Trump would travel to Islamabad, followed by a visit to India later in September. Reuters also picked up the story, quoting unnamed sources. However, the news outlet later noted that the report was withdrawn and an apology issued by the original broadcaster for publishing an “unverified” claim.
A spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad also told Reuters, “We have nothing to announce,” adding that the White House is the only authority that can confirm the president’s travel plans.
If such a visit were to occur, it would have been the first by a US president in nearly two decades, since George W. Bush’s visit in 2006.
Strengthening ties amid regional tensions
The reports emerged at a time when US-Pakistan relations have shown signs of improvement, particularly after Washington’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India following the May conflict sparked by deadly attacks in Pahalgam.
In a show of goodwill, Trump recently hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at a White House luncheon, calling it an “honour” and praising his role in averting further military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“Pakistan and India are both nuclear powers. It was crucial to prevent the situation from spiraling further,” Trump had said at the event, also hinting at ongoing talks for a bilateral trade agreement.
Despite these developments, officials in Islamabad stress there is no confirmed visit by the former US president in the near future.
