
Pakistan, US conclude trade deal; Washington to help Islamabad develop ‘massive' oil reserves
'We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves,' Trump wrote on social media.
'We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they'll be selling Oil to India some day!'
Pakistan says it's close to US trade deal, Washington gives no timeline
Trump's social media post did not provide further details on the deal between the US and Pakistan. The Pakistani embassy in Washington had no immediate comment.
Last week, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the United States and Pakistan were 'very close' to a trade deal that could come within days, after he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday.
Under Trump, Washington has attempted to renegotiate trade agreements with many countries that he threatened with tariffs over what he calls unfair trade relations. Many economists dispute Trump's characterization.
Trade talks: Finance minister Aurangzeb leaves for US
The US State Department and Pakistan's foreign ministry, in separate statements after Rubio's meeting with Dar, said last week the two top diplomats stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining.
'Our teams have been here in Washington discussing, having virtual meetings and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine tune now,' Dar said last week about U.S.-Pakistan talks.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Imran's son's visa case takes new turn
Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khanum said on Friday that the former prime minister's sons had applied for Pakistani visas and were awaiting clearance from the interior ministry ahead of a planned visit. Taking to X, Aleema stated: "A few days ago, Suleiman [Khan] and Kasim [Khan] applied for their visas with the Pakistan High Commission in London. The ambassador has intimated that he is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad". However, the Ministry of Interior refuted Aleema's claims regarding visa applications for Imran's sons, saying that no such requests were under consideration by the ministry. According to sources in the interior ministry, no visa applications pertaining to Imran Khan's sons were currently being processed or reviewed by the ministry. They clarified that the issuance of family visas – or any type of visa, for that matter – does not fall under the purview of the interior ministry. "The assertion that the visa matter is being dealt with by the Ministry of Interior is contrary to the facts," a source told The Express Tribune. The official added that such visas come under the jurisdiction of Pakistan's high commissions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her remarks also prompted a pointed response from Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who took issue with her previous claim that the siblings already possessed National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop). He questioned the need for a visa if they were, in fact, Pakistani nationals. "If they do need visas, that means they are not 'Pakistani nationals'. What is the real truth behind it all?" he asked. It is pertinent to note that Aleema had earlier insisted that Imran Khan's sons were "citizens of Pakistan" and would "definitely" come to visit him in prison, citing their Nicop status. "If anything were to happen to Imran's sons, it would become an international matter," she had told reporters previously. Earlier this week, the PTI had categorically denied media reports suggesting that the incarcerated party founder had told reporters in Adiala Jail that his sons would neither come to Pakistan nor take part in any protests. While the government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, Chaudhry had earlier questioned what political role, if any, the two sons could assume. Nevertheless, he maintained they were welcome to visit and assured there would be no impediment to their entry. "Visas would be issued to them in less than 24 hours," he said, "provided they stayed within the law".


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Independence Day celebrations start
Political, religious parties and social organisations besides the government departments kicjed off a 15-day celebration of Independence titled the Battle for Truth as a tribute to the founders as well as the defenders of the country. Rallies were held across the city by PPP, MQM-P and other political parties while the city's administration was busy in ramping up security for the festive occasion. Exclusive ceremonies were held at the CM House and the Governor House. MQM-P staged a rally at the Quaid's Mazaar with a vow that as the heirs of the founders of the country they would continue to defend its ideological and geographical boundaries. Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that the month of August reminds us of the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the creation and protection of Pakistan. In the Ma'arka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth) our armed forces displayed remarkable bravery, valor, and resilience, which not only brought the honour to the country and pride for the Pakistani nation. This instilled a strong sense among the people that Pakistan is an invincible nation and that its defence lies in capable hands. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held on Friday at the Department of Energy, organised under the auspices of the Sindh Transmission & Dispatch Company (STDC), as part of the Independence Day and Ma'arka-e-Haq celebrations. The event was hosted by STDC CEO Saleem Sheikh and attended by Secretary of Sindh Energy Department Mushtaq Soomro, MD of Thar Coal Energy Board Tariq Shah, Project Director of SSEPP Mahfooz Ahmed Qazi, Secretary of Sindh Transmission Dispatch Company Umar Nawaz Sheikh, CFO Sajjad Ahmed Junejo, Senior GM Technical Tariq Saeed, along with other senior officials. On this occasion, the energy minister cut a cake to mark the celebration and shared it with attendees. Additionally, commemorative badges were distributed at the event by STDC CEO.


Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Central AsiaFriendship Rally kicksoff from Islamabad
The Central Asia Friendship Rally was formally launched from Islamabad, aiming to promote peace, tourism, regional connectivity, and Pakistan's soft image across Central Asian countries. Eleven bikers will ride through Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in a journey spanning 5,000 kilometres, carrying a message of friendship and cultural unity. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister's Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas said, "These bikers are ambassadors of peace, culture, and regional cooperation. This initiative will showcase Pakistan's soft image and promote our tourism potential on an international stage." He further emphasised the role of media in portraying Pakistan positively. "We urge the media to highlight such positive initiatives. Pakistani people are known for their hospitality and do not charge tourists; this is our strength," he remarked. The official also acknowledged the valuable support of the ambassadors of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, appreciating their collaboration in making the rally possible. "This rally is a step towards greater regional connectivity," he said, adding that Pakistan is in the process of developing its first-ever National Tourism Policy, which will be a joint framework with input from all stakeholders. "Tourism is not just about travel, it's an economic driver," he said