Pakistan says Trump declared its PM ‘terrific’ in call

ISLAMABAD (AFP) — Pakistan said Donald Trump praised its prime minister (PM) as a “terrific guy’’ and offered support for a “fantastic’’ country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many after sharp criticisms in the past.

The Pakistani government released the candid account, complete with Trump’s trademark language, after Sharif phoned the billionaire real estate mogul to congratulate him on his election victory.

Widely circulated on social media, the statement released late Wednesday caused surprise given the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump campaign and the president-elect’s past description of the country as “not our friend.”

It said Trump told the embattled Pakistani leader, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a “very good reputation.”

“You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long,’’ it quoted Trump as saying.

“Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people,’’ Trump said according to the statement, while also offering to help solve the nation’s many challenges which include a violent insurgency.