Shehbaz Sharif's 'Guard-Style Salute' To Trump At Gaza Board Meeting Sparks Social Media Storm

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 08:28 IST

Analysts say the visit exposed a growing gap between Islamabad’s desire for global relevance and its actual influence on major diplomatic platforms

It was a string of awkward moments and public embarrassment for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting hosted by Donald Trump this week, the latest faux pas being a viral video that shows Pakistan’s top leader offering a “guard-style salute" to the US President.

In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, Sharif appears to offer a clumsy salute to Trump in a moment that has sparked sharp reactions and ridicule online.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.

However, as the video gained traction online, social media users called out Sharif’s awkward behaviour at the meeting, questioning the power dynamics between two allies.

But this was not all. The optics of the meeting reinforced the sense of discomfort for Pakistan’s top leader. During the official group photo of world leaders, Sharif was positioned at the edge, while Trump stood at the centre flanked by key allies—a contrast that observers interpreted as a symbolic marginalisation of Islamabad’s role at the summit.

Another moment widely shared online occurred when Trump, mid-speech, gestured toward Sharif and asked him to stand up—a directive that led to further mockery on social media, with some users dubbing Sharif “Trump’s puppet".

When given the floor, Sharif chose to lavish effusive praise on Trump, calling him a “man of peace" and the “saviour of South Asia" for his claimed role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—a claim that has been firmly denied by Indian officials.

Sharif’s remarks not only drew international attention but also stirred criticism at home. Pakistan’s political opposition questioned his decision to join the Board of Peace without broader consultation and accused him of compromising Pakistan’s principled foreign policy, particularly regarding Palestinian representation and opposition to Israel.

Analysts say the visit exposed a growing gap between Islamabad’s desire for global relevance and its actual influence on major diplomatic platforms. Despite being formally invited, Pakistan was notably not named among countries expected to contribute to an international stabilisation force in Gaza in a contrast to several other nations that pledged troops and financial support.

The summit, intended to rally over 40 nations around humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in war-torn Gaza, instead cast a spotlight on the limits of Pakistan’s global positioning. While Trump did offer some verbal reassurance, saying “I like this guy" about Sharif, the broader diplomatic message was clear: without concrete commitments or influence on key decisions, presence alone may not translate into clout on the world stage.

News viral Shehbaz Sharif's 'Guard-Style Salute' To Trump At Gaza Board Meeting Sparks Social Media Storm

Read More