Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Indispensable, not a matter of choice: Pakistan envoy stresses importance of Pak–US ties

Indispensable, not a matter of choice: Pakistan envoy stresses importance of Pak–US ties.

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has described relations between Islamabad and Washington as “indispensable,” emphasising the need for sustained engagement and cooperation between the two nations amid evolving global challenges. Speaking at a panel discussion titled “The Future of the US–Pakistan Relationship” at the Future Security Forum 2025 in Washington, … Read more

US sanctions Russian oil companies as Moscow holds nuclear drills

US sanctions Russian oil companies as Moscow holds nuclear drills.

MOSCOW/KYIV/WASHINGTON: The United States hit Russia’s major oil companies with sanctions on Wednesday and accused the Russians of a lack of commitment toward ending the war in Ukraine, as Moscow conducted a major training exercise involving nuclear arms. The new sanctions were unveiled one day after plans for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump … Read more

US downplays threat to Gaza ceasefire as Hamas delays in hostage body recovery

The United States has sought to ease concerns over the stability of the Gaza ceasefire deal, despite delays by Hamas in returning the bodies of Israeli hostages. Washington insists that negotiations remain on track and that Hamas is still committed to fulfilling its obligations under the current phase of the peace plan. As part of … Read more

Aurangzeb departs for US to attend IMF, WB annual meetings

Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has departed for the United States to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group. During his visit, the finance minister will represent Pakistan at the plenary sessions of both the IMF and World Bank. Senator Aurangzeb is … Read more

US and coalition partners to scale back military mission in Iraq

US and coalition partners to scale back military mission in Iraq

Washington: The United States and its coalition partners announced a planned reduction of their military mission in Iraq, marking a significant shift in their presence in the region. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “In accordance with the President’s guidance and the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission agreement, the US and coalition partners will begin scaling … Read more

U.S. vows to oppose any effort to ban Israel from 2026 World Cup

U.S. vows to oppose any effort to ban Israel from 2026 World Cup

Washington: The United States government has pledged to oppose any efforts to bar Israel from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid mounting international calls for sporting sanctions in response to allegations of genocide in Gaza. A U.S. State Department spokesperson, speaking to multiple media outlets on Thursday, stated: “We will absolutely work to … Read more

India, US agree on sustained engagement amid strains over visas, tariffs

India, US agree on sustained engagement amid strains over visas, tariffs

NEW YORK: Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to “sustained engagement” during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. The meeting comes at a sensitive time for US-India relations, following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a $100,000 fee … Read more

US dismisses Western recognition of Palestinian state as ‘Symbolic’

US

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has downplayed recent announcements by several Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state, calling them “symbolic moves” rather than meaningful steps toward peace. According to the US State Department, Washington’s priority remains serious diplomacy, not “symbolic declarations.” It said the US focus is on achieving peace, ensuring Israel’s security, and securing … Read more

US hands over flood relief goods to Pakistan Army

US

RAWALPINDI:  In response to the ongoing flood situation, the United States of America through Army Central Command (US ARCENT) has extended humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected population of Pakistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a total of six flights carrying relief consignments are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan, comprising essential items including tents, … Read more

Iran FM: No Formal Ceasefire with Israel, hostilities could resume

Iran FM: No Formal Ceasefire with Israel, hostilities could resume

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified in a recent interview with the Iranian Student News Agency that there is no formal ceasefire between Iran and Israel, despite the recent halt in hostilities. “The aggression has stopped, and so has our defense — but there is no official agreement,” Araghchi stated. “They asked for the … Read more

Iran drone program faces fresh US sanctions

Iran drone program faces fresh US sanctions

The United States imposed sanctions on an Iranian national and five companies in Iran, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan for allegedly supplying technology to Iran’s military drone program, the Treasury Department announced. “Iran continues to pursue the development of asymmetric weapons capabilities, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to carry out attacks on the United States, our … Read more

U.S. Imposes New Tariffs: 19% on Pakistani exports, 25% on Indian goods

U.S. Imposes New Tariffs: 19% on Pakistani exports, 25% on Indian goods

WASHINGTON: The United States has changed its global trade policy and has imposed a tariff of 19 % on goods imports from Pakistan and 25 % on India. The U.S. President has signed an executive order regarding tariffs on various countries. According to the order, tariffs on Canada have been increased from 25% to 35%, … Read more

A New Chapter in Economic Partnership: US-Pakistan trade agreement

Pakistan’s trade hits $2.41bn in FY25

On Thursday, Pakistan and the United States announced a highly anticipated trade agreement, reached just ahead of President Donald Trump’s August 1 deadline. The agreement comes in time to avoid the imposition of higher tariffs by Washington, which were set to take effect on a reciprocal basis against various countries starting Friday (tomorrow). Pakistan Stock … Read more

PM Shehbaz praises President Trump for Leadership in Historic U.S.-Pakistan trade deal

PM Shehbaz praises President Trump for Leadership in Historic U.S.-Pakistan trade deal

Islamabad: Prime Minister Pakistan has publicly thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his instrumental role in finalizing a historic trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday morning. “I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump for his leadership role … Read more

US-Pakistan finalize major trade agreement, a new era of bilateral trade and investment

Washington: Pakistan and the United States have successfully concluded a major trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade, improving market access, and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. According to the Finance Ministry, the deal will create new trade and investment opportunities in various sectors, including energy, minerals, IT and crypto currency. Under the … Read more

US is Pakistan’s largest trade partner, says Finance Minister

US

ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized that the United States is Pakistan’s largest trading partner, and both countries aim to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. During a briefing following his meeting with U.S. officials, the finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with the United States, … Read more

“Pakistan’s strategic doctrine targets regional threats, not the US”

Pakistan’

  Pakistan has neither any interest nor incentive to attack the US, which is Pakistan’s largest export market, vital trading partner with valuable influence over IFIs and hosts a large and dynamic Pakistani diaspora which makes valuable and regular contribution to Pakistani economy in the form of substantial foreign exchange remittances. It would be irrational … Read more

IRGC Chief warns US of severe response to future aggression

IRGC Chief

TEHRAN: Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Mohammad Pakpour, has warned that any renewed aggression by the United States against Iran will be met with a “decisive and crushing response.” According to Iranian media, this marks Major General Pakpour’s first statement following reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. He … Read more

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran targeting IRGC

US

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has announced new sanctions on Iran, targeting 20 entities including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to media reports, in addition to the institutional sanctions, the US has also blacklisted five individuals and three vessels as part of its counterterrorism measures. Several of the sanctioned individuals are reportedly affiliated … Read more

US warns Iran of consequences for targeting Americans and bases

US

United Nations: The United States (US) has warned Iran that any attack targeting American citizens, military bases, or critical infrastructure would result in serious consequences. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, the US representative justified Israel’s recent strike on Iran, calling it a necessary act of self-defence. “We will continue efforts to ensure that … Read more

US denies any role in Israeli attacks

US denies

Washington: The United States(US) on Friday clarified that it had no involvement in the Israeli airstrikes on Iran. In an official statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the operation was unilateral and carried out solely by Israel. He reiterated that the protection of American forces in the region remains Washington’s top priority. US … Read more

US top diplomat Rubio speaks with COAS Gen Asim Munir

US

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, and urged both India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, Rubio also offered US assistance in starting “constructive” talks between the two South Asian neighbours to “avoid future conflicts”. Earlier, US Secretary of … Read more

US president Donald Trump calls India’s attack shameful

US president Donald Trump calls India's attack shameful

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump called the rising tension between India and Pakistan “a shame,” as Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to officials in both nuclear-armed nations after India launched strikes on multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Washington considers India a key partner in its efforts to counter China’s growing influence, … Read more

US in touch with India and Pakistan

US

WASHINGTON: The U.S. State Department said Washington was in touch with both India and Pakistan while urging them to work towards what it called a “responsible solution” as tensions have risen between the two Asian nations following a recent Islamist militant attack in Kashmir. In public, the U.S. government has expressed support for India after … Read more

US envoy highlights trade, investment potential in Karachi visit

US envoy highlights trade, investment potential in Karachi visit

KARACHI: During her visit to Karachi, US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with Pakistan. She emphasized the need for private sector leadership and strengthened economic cooperation to achieve shared prosperity. The US embassy stated on Friday that the diplomat visited Karachi from April 23 to 24 and … Read more

Iran open to ‘Genuine Chance’ at Nuclear talks with US

Iran open to 'Genuine Chance' at Nuclear talks with US

On Friday, Iran announced it would give high-level nuclear talks with the United States on Saturday “a genuine chance,” following President Donald Trump’s threat to order bombings if the discussions failed. On Monday, Trump surprised many by announcing that Washington and Tehran would begin talks in Oman, a Gulf state that has previously mediated between … Read more

Pakistan to send high level delegation to US for tariff

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decides to send a high level delegation to held negotiations with authorities concerned of the United States of America to new trade tariff. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to send a high-level delegation to hold negotiations with the relevant authorities in the United States of America (USA) regarding promotion of bilateral trade … Read more