Latest news with #Pak-India
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM says ready for dialogue with India
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, for her role in facilitating the United Kingdom's recent decision to allow Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume operations in British airspace – a breakthrough that could ease travel restrictions for thousands of British Pakistanis. During a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif lauded the decision as a 'welcome step' that would not only reduce travel hardships for diaspora communities but also strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations. 'The resumption of PIA flights is a significant development for our citizens and a testament to our growing co-operation,' he added. Pak-India dialogue at neutral venue: Friendly states making intensive efforts The two officials also addressed a range of regional issues, including tensions in South Asia and developments in the Middle East. Sharif reiterated Pakistan's openness to dialogue with India on all longstanding disputes and expressed appreciation for Britain's efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear neighbours during past standoffs. The prime minister extended warm regards to King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and expressed hope for a forthcoming meeting with the British leadership later this year. Sharif characterised current Pakistan-UK relations as being on an 'upward trajectory', citing recent trade discussions as a foundation for expanding bilateral co-operation. He also highlighted Pakistan's active engagement with the UK at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan currently holds the rotating presidency. High Commissioner Marriott, for her part, briefed the prime minister on her recent visit to London, where she held high-level consultations aimed at deepening bilateral engagement. She praised the Sharif government's economic performance over the past 18 months, citing improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. Marriott also shared the UK's perspectives on evolving regional dynamics, underscoring the importance of continued diplomatic co-operation between London and Islamabad. The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to sustain momentum in economic, diplomatic, and strategic engagements. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Iran's envoy is widely respected: FO
ISLAMABAD: Shafqat Ali Khan, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson emphasised on Wednesday that Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Mughadam is 'widely respected' after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) added him to its Most Wanted list for his alleged role in the 2007 suspected abduction and disappearance of retired FBI agent Robert A Bob Levinson. 'As far as Pakistan is concerned the Ambassador of Iran is widely respected for his role in promotion of Pakistan- Iran relations. He is entitled to all the privileges, immunities and respect due to an ambassador that too from a friendly neighbouring country,' FO spokesperson stated this while responding to media queries regarding FBI's recent decision against Iranian Envoy. FO Spokesperson said that Pakistan values its relations with Iran and will continue to support the friendly Muslim country in every thick and thin. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan has sided Iran in its conflict with Israel and condemned US attacks on nuclear sites as well. Similarly, Iran has also extended strong political backing to Islamabad during Pak-India war. Bob Levinson arrived on Iran's Island on March 8, 2007 and went missing the following day.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India fails both militarily and diplomatically against Pakistan: Bilawal
PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addresses PPP rally in Karachi after successfully leading a diplomatic mission to US and Europe. Photo: Courtesy PPP/ Facebook Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that after suffering a humiliating defeat on the battlefield, India also failed in its diplomatic campaign against Pakistan abroad, while Islamabad's narrative prevailed on the international stage. Bilawal led a delegation to United States and Europe, appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to present Islamabad's perspective on the recent conflict with India. The visit aimed to secure international support, especially from the European Union, to help prevent further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. 'میں اس دورے کے دوران پاکستان کا امن کا پیغام، کشمیر کا پیغام، سندھو کا پیغام اور دہشتگردی کے متعلق ہمارا موقف اقوام متحدہ، امریکہ، برطانیہ اور یورپی یونین کے سامنے لے کر گیا۔ بھارت کوشش کر رہا تھا کہ وہ جنگ کے میدان میں تو ہم سے جیت نہیں سکا تو بیانیہ کی جنگ اور سفارتی سطح پر… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 20, 2025 Speaking after returning from the successful tour in Karachi following a warm welcome on Friday, Bilawal emphasised the delegation's efforts in conveying Pakistan's message on peace, Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and counter-terrorism during visits to New York, Washington DC, London, and Brussels. He noted that during the conflict with India, although the former was 'seven times larger', Pakistan's armed forces achieved a 'humiliating defeat' for their adversary — a feat he said filled the country with pride. PPP chairman said Islamabad had overcome India's efforts to undermine it at the diplomatic level, adding that the country won the diplomatic battle through tireless efforts. "India tried to succeed where it failed on the battlefield — by defeating Pakistan on the narrative and diplomatic fronts — but I want to tell you that even on that front, Pakistan emerged victorious and India failed." Read More: 'No military solution to Pak-India disputes' He asserted that Pakistan stood on the side of truth, while India relied on falsehood — a contrast that, he said, was evident in the international media, where Pakistan's narrative gained traction and India's failed to resonate. Recalling the last month's skirmish with neighboring country, he said that Pakistan's armed forces had shot down six Indian jets — a denial initially issued by India, but later conceded a month later. Highlighting that Kashmir has remained Pakistan's most important issue since partition, he stressed that Pakistan raised its voice for Kashmir everywhere. 'Before the war, India's stance was that Kashmir was a bilateral matter. Now they must recognise that it is no longer an internal issue but an international one.' پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری امریکہ، برطانیہ اور یورپی یونین کے کامیاب سفارتی دورہ کے بعد وطن واپسی کے موقع پر استقبال کیلئے آئے شرکاء کے پرجوش نعروں کا خیرمقدم کررہے ہیں۔@BBhuttoZardari #ProudOfBilawal — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 20, 2025 He also referred to US President Donald Trump's comments, saying the US was prepared to facilitate talks between Pakistan and India to resolve the Kashmir dispute — a 'historic success,' he said. Turning to Pakistan's water security, he warned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's threat to restrict the flow of the River Indus — described as an unprecedented move — would not go unchallenged. 'When it comes to the Indus, the PPP will lead the charge, whether domestically or internationally,' he said. 'بھارت کو سندھ طاس معاہدے کو ماننا پڑے گا، جس کے تحت چھ میں سے تین دریا پاکستان کے ہیں اور باقی بھارت کے حوالے ہیں، بھارت کے پاس دو آپشنز ہیں یا تو وہ عالمی قوانین کو تسلیم کرتے ہوئے سندھ طاس معاہدے پر عمل کرے اور اگر وہ ایسا نہیں کرتا تو پاکستان ایک اور جنگ کرئے گا اور پھر یہ چھ… — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 20, 2025 He issued a stern warning to India: 'You have two options: either abide by international law and the Indus Waters Treaty, which allocates three rivers to Pakistan and three to India, or face another war — and all six rivers will be ours.' Bilawal also questioned why domestic political actors, whom he blamed for inciting hate and division, were silent in the face of India's water threat, insisting that these politicians had long been funded by India and accused them of raising sectarian slogans in Balochistan and Sindh. 'The people of Sindh will never forgive these political orphans for their silence today,' he added, referring to their apparent inaction over the river threats and water security concerns.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
COAS' meeting with US president a 'success'
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday hailed the meeting between Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and US President in White House the other day, as a significant diplomatic success of Pakistan. Talking to reporters outside the Parliament House, the minister highlighted that this was the first time an army chief had been invited for lunch with the US president, underscoring the importance of the meeting. Khawaja Asif emphasised that the discussions on international and regional issues showcased Pakistan's potential in resolving key problems, particularly in the context of Pak-India tensions.
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Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Trump expressed keen interest in trade partnership with Pakistan: Pak Army
US President Donald Trump has expressed "keen interest" in developing a "mutually beneficial" trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests, the army here said on Thursday. In a statement after a meeting between Trump and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the media wing of the Pakistan Army - said they also discussed joint counterterrorism efforts. During the high-level engagement, the discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, the ISPR said. "President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," said the statement. In the first formal reaction by the Pakistan government, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said the meeting between Army Chief Munir and President Trump helped to highlight the Pak-India conflict. In a post on X, Asif said the meeting is a milestone in Pak-US relations because this is the first time that a US President has invited and met a Pakistani Army Chief. Describing the Trump-Munir meeting as the most important turning point in the 78-year history of relations, Asif said the development is the success of the current hybrid model of governance, involving the elected government and the army. His comments seem to be a departure from the past when political parties demanded non-interference of the army in political affairs. The Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis, the ISPR said. He acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community, the statement added. President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states, the ISPR said. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism, it added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff accompanied Trump. Munir was joined by National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik, who is also the head of the intelligence agency ISI. No senior civilian official from Pakistan was present. A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict, the ISPR said. President Trump commended Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics, it said. In a "gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties", Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date, the statement said. Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting was extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue, it added. The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the statement. Separately, President Trump said it was an honour for him to meet the Chief of Army Staff during a luncheon held at the Cabinet Room in the White House, the first-ever such honour for any Pakistani army chief. It is rare for the US president to host a lunch for an army chief of a foreign country. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites. But they were holding the post of president as well. Speaking to the media after the event, Trump extended his gratitude to Pakistan's military chief for visiting and acknowledged his role in helping stop war with India. I was honoured to meet him (Field Marshal Munir) today, Trump said. I invited him to thank him for not going to war. He deserves appreciation for helping secure the ceasefire. When asked if the talks included the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump said: They (Pakistan) know Iran very well, better than most, and they're not happy about anything. It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they know Iran better." According to experts, the meeting was a significant boost for relations between the two countries, which had been under strain for years due to suspicion in the US that Pakistan failed to help it stabilize Afghanistan, which resulted in a hasty withdrawal from the country in 2021. The meeting comes after the recent tension with India and Trump umpteen times took credit for stopping the war for which Pakistan thanked him for his role.
