DPM Dar to meet US Secretary of State Rubio in Washington on Friday
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on July 25, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
This will be Dar's first official meeting with Secretary Rubio. The agenda will include a review of Pakistan-US ties, regional developments, particularly recent India-Pakistan tensions, and other matters of mutual interest.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said senior officials from both nations would be present, and she would attend the meeting.
Responding to a question at a press briefing on whether the US supports direct communication between Pakistan and India on Kashmir, as it does on the Indus Waters Treaty, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce offered a measured reply.
'We have Pakistan who is going to be here for a bilat, and I'll [be] participating in that, so I'm looking forward to that as well,' Bruce said.
We have Pakistan who is going to be here for a bilat, and I'll [be] participating in that, so I'm looking forward to that as well
Tammy Bruce
The comments follow renewed regional tensions and past efforts by President Trump to mediate between India and Pakistan, including on Kashmir. Trump previously offered to host talks between the two countries during a summit in Saudi Arabia.
Read: Quad ministers condemn Pahalgam attack without naming Pakistan
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and US Secretary of State will follow Pakistan's nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—recognising what the government termed Trump's 'extraordinary role' in restoring calm in South Asia.
On May 7, the Indian Air Force carried out an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan and alleged that New Delhi had targeted "terrorist infrastructure". The strikes killed multiple Pakistani civilians and injure many more. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), scrambled to counter the Indian aerial threat, shot down six IAF fighter aircraft including three French-made Rafales.
The strikes sett off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery that killed dozens until a ceasefire on May 10.
The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on social media after Washington held talks with both sides, but India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks.
India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
6 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
PTI denounces sentencing of Yasmin Rashid, 40 others in May 9 case
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has denounced the verdicts issued by anti-terrorism courts, sentencing senior party leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and 40 others to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 riots case. The party labelled the decision politically motivated and a serious blow to judicial integrity. PTI has called the ruling an attempt to disrupt its planned rally on August 5, intended to mark the anniversary of Imran Khan's arrest. Despite the setback, the party has vowed to continue with its political activities. Dr Yasmin, 72, a former provincial health minister and cancer survivor, has been in custody for nearly two years. PTI highlighted footage from May 9, in which she can be heard discouraging demonstrators from entering the Corps Commander House, arguing that the evidence undermines the charges brought against her. Party officials allege that the convictions are part of a broader campaign of political retaliation, pointing out that PTI leaders who publicly distanced themselves from the party were acquitted in similar cases. Those who remained loyal, they argue, are now facing disproportionate legal consequences. PTI further questioned the credibility of witness testimony presented in the trial. According to the party, the sole witness—an on-duty police constable—initially claimed to have overheard PTI founder Imran Khan planning the May 9 events. However, during subsequent proceedings via video link, the witness reportedly declined to confirm that testimony under oath. Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years in May 9 riots case "This inconsistent and allegedly coerced testimony raises serious concerns about due process," the party stated, adding that differing outcomes for similarly charged individuals call into question the impartiality of the judicial process. The party also criticised ongoing restrictions on access to Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. PTI claims that Khan's family members, legal team, and party leaders have been denied visitation rights, in violation of both Pakistani prison regulations and international human rights standards. Under the Prison Act of 1894 and the Jail Rules of 1978, PTI argues that Khan, as a former prime minister and an A-Class prisoner, is entitled to designated legal and personal privileges. These include access to private quarters, medical treatment, consultation with personal physicians and attorneys, visitation rights, and adequate time for exercise. The party maintains that these rights are legal entitlements, not discretionary benefits, and urged authorities to ensure compliance with national and international norms regarding the treatment of prisoners. Also More: Punjab opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case A day earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots. The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling. The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused individuals due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. ATC Sargodha also sentenced Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, PTI's Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and other party workers to 10 years in prison each. They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disturbances, anarchy, and arson during the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Imran Khan's sons meet Trump aide to launch US campaign for father's release
Sulaiman Khan (28) and Kasim Khan (26), sons of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, have met with U.S. special presidential envoy Richard Grenell in California to kick off a campaign to garner international support for their father's release. The brothers made a bold public debut in May, highlighting their father's imprisonment since August 2023 at Pakistan's Adiala Jail. Serving a sentence related to a £190 million corruption conviction, Imran Khan is also facing ongoing trials under the Anti‑Terrorism Act linked to the May 9, 2023, protests. In a photo shared on X, Richard Grenell stood alongside the Khans and U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Vice Chairman Dr Asif Mahmood. Grenell issued a rallying message: 'Stay strong… millions around the world are sick of political prosecutions. You are not alone.' Mahmood expressed admiration for the brothers' determination and praised Grenell's support, calling it a stand for justice and principle . In a previous May interview, Sulaiman and Kasim revealed they had 'exhausted' legal and diplomatic channels, alleging their father was held in 'complete isolation' in a cell likened to those used for death row inmates, without access to lawyers or doctors . They appealed directly to high‑profile figures, especially former U.S. President Donald Trump, to generate global pressure in support of Imran Khan's basic human rights . The siblings are now focusing on a campaign to confront what they describe as a suppressive wave against dissent in Pakistan. Their U.S. launch is expected to coincide with a planned protest movement in Pakistan scheduled for early August, marking the second year since Imran Khan's arrest. Although Pakistani officials have not formally reacted, Barrister Aqeel Malik, the Minister of State for Law and Justice, noted that Article 16 of Pakistan's constitution does not extend to foreigners, and that violating visa rules could lead to consequences. Meanwhile, political voices within the ruling PML‑N are split over whether the Khans should be allowed to return to Pakistan.
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Bangladesh agree on visa-free entry for diplomatic, official passport holders
Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed on Wednesday to grant visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passports. The development came during Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's meeting today with Bangladesh's Home Minister, Lieutenant General (R) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. 'Pakistan-Bangladesh trade will soon reach $1bn mark' The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in internal security and police training. They also held discussions on increasing collaboration in counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking efforts, along with joint measures for counter-terrorism. Exchange programs for training between police academies were also discussed. UK removes Pakistan from Air Safety List The two leaders also decided to establish a joint committee to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. On Pakistan's side, Federal Secretary for Interior, Khurram Agha, will head the committee. Meanwhile, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation will soon visit the National Police Academy in Islamabad.
