logo
Pakistan says it held productive trade talks in Washington

Pakistan says it held productive trade talks in Washington

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said it held productive trade talks with the U.S. in Washington on Friday to advance economic cooperation, according to a statement from the South Asian country's finance ministry.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the statement said.
'Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in enhancing trade and economic ties, a cornerstone of Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations,' the statement added.
It said Aurangzeb emphasized that the U.S. remained Pakistan's largest trading partner.
Both sides expressed optimism that ongoing trade talks would yield positive outcomes, benefiting the economies of both countries, the finance ministry said.
Pakistan, US move closer to securing trade deal as tariff talks continue
Pakistan was optimistic that the trade talks would conclude in a week's time after a virtual meeting between Aurangzeb and Lutnick late last month.
The negotiations, focused on reciprocal tariffs, are part of a broader push to reset economic ties at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and Pakistan's efforts to avoid steep U.S. duties on exports.
Pakistan faces a 29% tariff on exports to the U.S. under President Donald Trump's measures to target countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S.
Pakistan's surplus was around $3 billion in 2024.
To offset the imbalance and ease tariff pressures, Islamabad has offered to import more U.S. goods, including crude oil, and to open up investment opportunities through concessions for U.S. firms in Pakistan's mining sector.
U.S.-Pakistan relations saw a major boost when Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House last month in an unprecedented meeting.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Opposition alliance chief puts his full weight behind anti-govt protest plan
Opposition alliance chief puts his full weight behind anti-govt protest plan

Business Recorder

time20 minutes ago

  • Business Recorder

Opposition alliance chief puts his full weight behind anti-govt protest plan

ISLAMABAD: Amid a deepening political crisis, an opposition alliance led by Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday announced plans for a pivotal two-day All Parties Conference (APC) on July 31 and August 1. The gathering aims to bring together political leaders, civil society members, and institutional representatives to address the country's mounting constitutional and governance challenges. Speaking at a press conference alongside senior leaders of opposition parties particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), TTAP chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai described the moot as more than symbolic. 'From Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar, we will mobilise – street by street, door to door – but without violence,' he said, emphasising the alliance's commitment to a constitutional and peaceful struggle for reform. Achakzai, a longtime advocate for democratic transparency, criticised the ruling coalition's use of force against political opponents. He accused the government of suppressing dissent through intimidation and incarceration, warning that the current climate reflected coercion rather than democracy. A central demand of the alliance is the establishment of an independent election commission to restore genuine electoral representation. 'We demand that Pakistan be governed by the ballot, not by force,' Achakzai asserted. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, citing directives from jailed party founding chairman Imran Khan, echoed these concerns. 'This is not just a PTI movement; it is a voice for all those denied justice and silenced by fear,' Raja said, calling on citizens to peacefully express their grievances in a nationwide protest scheduled for August 5. Raja also alleged that state authorities violated due process in Khan's ongoing legal proceedings, claiming the former prime minister was denied access to legal counsel during a recent hearing. 'This jail trial is a clear affront to judicial transparency,' he added. Allama Nasir Abbas, leader of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), criticised recent government decisions regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on seats reserved for women, calling them emblematic of systemic manipulation. While rejecting armed resistance, Abbas warned of significant protests on August 5 and cautioned that any state efforts to disrupt peaceful demonstrations would have serious consequences. Meanwhile, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the government's intensified crackdown on opposition leaders, citing detentions and arrest warrants against senior figures including Raja Basharat, Ali Amin Gandapur, Dr Arif Alvi, Omar Ayub, and others. He described these moves as politically motivated attempts to stifle dissent ahead of the protests. 'The government's tactics will neither intimidate nor silence us,' Akram said. 'We stand firm for constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and the restoration of democracy.' Highlighting the personal toll of the political strife, PTI's Babar Awan painted a grim picture of Imran Khan's incarceration. He accused authorities of subjecting Khan to solitary confinement under harsh conditions, denying him access to medical care and basic necessities – violations he likened to breaches of international prisoner rights. 'Imran Khan is not just the most popular leader in Pakistan; he is a symbol of hope,' Awan said. 'Yet he is treated worse than a prisoner of war.' Despite these challenges, Awan insisted that Khan remains 'unbroken and unwavering,' continuing to inspire millions amid political uncertainty. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Dar-Rubio talks to focus on regional tensions
Dar-Rubio talks to focus on regional tensions

Express Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Express Tribune

Dar-Rubio talks to focus on regional tensions

Listen to article Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to hold talks in Washington on Friday, the Foreign Office confirmed, saying bilateral ties, regional and international issues as well as India-Pakistan relationship would top the agenda. "I can confirm that the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, and the entire range of issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as important regional and global issues including the situation in the Middle East, and Iran will be discussed," Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters on Thursday at the weekly briefing. "Exchange of views will also take place on the Pakistan-India question, for which we remain grateful for the role played by the US in de-escalation of tensions leading to ceasefire," he added. The meeting between Dar and Rubio is part of renewed efforts by the two sides to revive the structured dialogue between Pakistan and the US. The Biden administration completely ignored Pakistan and there had been no or little contacts at the level of foreign ministers. However, contrary to expectations, bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US have seen a positive turnaround since President Donald Trump began his second term. Pakistan's cooperation to arrest one of the masterminds of Abbey Gate Bombing in Kabul in August 2021 led to the rapprochement. President Trump in his maiden address praised Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. What brought the two countries further close was the India-Pakistan conflict in May following the Pahalgam attack. While Pakistan acknowledged the Trump Administration's positive role in brokering the ceasefire, India kept challenging the US claims. Pakistan in order to make further inroads at the White House nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his courageous leadership and peace efforts in the subcontinent. Regarding reports of the US-Pakistan dialogue including discussion on Jammu & Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Spokesperson confirmed these issues remain central to Pakistan's diplomatic agenda and are expected to be raised in the DPM/FM's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Asked about President Trump's recent remarks about credit for defusing a near-nuclear crisis in South Asia, Khan said: "We have repeatedly acknowledged the role of friendly nations, including the US. The facts of that crisis are well known." When asked, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan engages with all countries in good faith, and would continue to invite India to come to the negotiating table and move towards a peaceful settlement of disputes. "But the key question is for India to decide what kind of policy it wants to adopt. As far as Pakistan is concerned, our position is very clear. We have, multiple times, acknowledged and thanked the US intervention and the role it played in the de-escalation of the recent crisis," Shafqat said. "But again, it is for India to decide the route it wants to take, the policy it wants to adopt. Diplomatic engagement is not a favor extended by one country to another; it is in the common interest of both countries and of regional stability and global peace," he added. Meanwhile, the spokesperson described Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's recent visit to Afghanistan as "very successful," saying it reflected the steady positive momentum in bilateral relations. Shafqat said the visit should be seen in the broader context of improving ties, citing the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025, as a "watershed moment." "There is a steady positive momentum in interactions, and the quality of relations has significantly improved. Both sides are working to further solidify the diplomatic gains, maintaining and accelerating this positive momentum," Khan said. The spokesperson emphasized that the interior ministry's agenda primarily focused on security and counterterrorism — issues that remain a key part of discussions between the two neighbors. "We have repeatedly reiterated what kind of relations we want with Afghanistan. However, one of the stumbling blocks is the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists there," the spokesperson noted. He added that Pakistan had conveyed its concerns to Kabul, and the Afghan side was showing "receptivity" to these issues. "The technical discussions are ongoing. I cannot go into specifics, but in political terms, the visit was very successful," Khan said. Highlighting the broader context of ties, the Foreign Office maintained that cooperation in the security sector must be viewed as part of the overall positivity and improvement in relations between the two "brotherly neighboring countries".

PM restores tribal quota in universities
PM restores tribal quota in universities

Express Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Express Tribune

PM restores tribal quota in universities

Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured that the federal government was taking all possible steps for the economic development of the merged districts and welfare of its people. He was speaking to a delegation of tribal elders of the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman who visited the Prime Minister's House. The jirga discussed in detail the improvement of public order in the merged districts and the construction and development of these areas. While welcoming the delegation, the prime minister announced the restoration of the quota of the merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The tribal elders welcomed the decision, expressing happiness over restoration of the quota. The prime minister said, "I am very happy to host the tribal elders at the Prime Minister House today." During conversation with the delegation, he said, "You belong to those areas of Pakistan that are the guardians of the glorious historical heritage and traditions." "Tribes have always made immense sacrifices for the security and peace of Pakistan," he said adding, "Establishment of law and order in the merged districts is the top priority of the government." He said Pakistan's security forces, police and law enforcement agencies were embracing martyrdom while fighting bravely against terrorists. He urged that leaders of all schools of thought will have to play their role together to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. "Providing equal and best opportunities for education, health, skills and employment to the people of the merged tribal districts, especially the youth, is our priority," he stressed. He said "The federal government has allocated a huge amount in this year's development budget for the improvement of FATA University and police infrastructure in the merged districts." He directed to expand the scope of the committee established under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam on the issues of the merged districts. "Tribal elders of merged districts are also being represented in this committee," he noted. The delegation expressed gratitude for expanding the scope of the committee, giving representation to tribal elders and for restoration of quota of merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The delegation paid tribute to the courageous strategy of Pakistan Army during the recent Pakistan-India conflict and for giving a befitting reply to the Indian aggression. The delegation thanked the prime minister for the consultative session regarding peace and order, development and prosperity in the merged districts. The prime minister said more such consultative sessions will be held with the tribal elders regarding the improvement of the merged tribal districts. Federal Ministers including Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Advisers to the Prime Minister Pervez Khattak, Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting. World Bank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with Regional Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) Ousmane Dione, where they expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the coming years to achieve long-term development goals and build a prosperous future for the people of Pakistan. During the meeting, the prime minister especially thanked World Bank President Ajay Banga and former Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine for their pivotal role in advancing the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan. He appreciated the strategic role of the CPF in supporting Pakistan's development priorities, particularly in the areas of energy, human capital, climate change, and governance reforms. He also acknowledged the World Bank's principled support for Pakistan's legitimate position in light of India's unilateral and unlawful actions undermining important international agreements such as the Indus Waters Treaty. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to upholding international law, achieving prosperity, and maintaining regional peace, and reiterated the country's resolve to resolve all issues through dialogue. The prime minister thanked the World Bank for its timely and generous assistance during the devastating floods of 2022, which helped Pakistan initiate immediate relief efforts and begin reconstruction and rehabilitation activities. Ousmane Dione expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Pakistan. He reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to deepening and expanding its longstanding partnership with Pakistan and enhancing collaboration in key sectors of the economy. Mr Dione appreciated Pakistan's ongoing macroeconomic recovery and praised the prime minister's government for steering the country toward financial stability and sustainable growth. He particularly commended the current administration's reform agenda, noting PM Shehbaz Sharif's strong leadership in advancing institutional reforms, restoring investor confidence, and promoting inclusive economic development. Arizona State University Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government's commitment to revolutionizing Pakistan's education sector through the integration of cutting-edge technology and global partnerships with the support of the Arizona State University. During a high-level meeting with a delegation from Arizona State University (ASU) led by Doug Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cintana Education held at the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz highlighted that aligning Pakistan's education system with international standards was a top government priority. The prime minister emphasized the need to modernize education and equip the country's youth with professional and technical skills essential for competing in global markets. "All government education policies are centered around creating employment opportunities for youth based on their professional capabilities," the Prime Minister stated. He praised the collaboration with Arizona State University as a transformative step, particularly the establishment of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Pakistan. "This partnership is a significant milestone. The NIT will serve as a world-class institution that trains Pakistani youth to compete globally," he said. The prime minister noted that the government has undertaken key reforms in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) over the past year, making it a more efficient and effective institution. He directed that NAVTTC should now work closely with ASU to bring innovation to the vocational training sector. Discussions during the meeting focused on the operationalization of the NIT, set to commence this year. Doug Becker assured full support from ASU in providing resources and facilities to advance innovation in Pakistan's education system. At the conclusion of the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the operational launch of the National Institute of Technology. The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from relevant institutions.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store