Latest news with #Pakistan-US


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM announces new era with Pak-US ties
ISLAMABAD: America's 249th birthday bash in Islamabad went full throttle on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a bold 'new era' in US-Pakistan relations – reminding everyone that Washington was one of Pakistan's earliest backers way back in 1947. At a glittering Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy – a full month before July 4 – PM Sharif declared that Pakistan and America were stepping into a 'new era' of relations, while tossing sharp jabs at India and tipping his hat to Donald Trump. 'This is a new chapter,' Sharif told a high-profile crowd packed with political bigwigs, top brass, civil society members, and diplomats. 'We're committed to strengthening Pakistan-US relations. Both countries believe in democratic traditions and the supremacy of the constitution.' Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja were amongst the politicians that joined the ceremony. PM Sharif said that the US was one of the first nations to recognise Pakistan after its 1947 independence. He thanked Washington for decades of development support – but made sure no one forgot the cost Pakistan has paid fighting terror. 'We've lost over 90,000 lives. Our economy's taken a $150 billion hit,' he said. 'Pakistan's sacrifices in counterterrorism are second to none.' On this occasion, PM Sharif slammed India over the recent four-day war between the two nuclear armed rivals, branding the Pahalgam incident as a false-flag operation and accusing New Delhi of using the tragedy to target civilians. 'We called for an international investigation – India responded by bombing us,' he said, adding that Pakistan had responded in kind by shooting down six Indian aircraft. Still, the prime minister stressed his desire for regional peace. He credited international efforts, including those by US President Trump, for helping to de-escalate hostilities and secure a ceasefire. 'We appreciate President Trump's efforts in promoting peace and economic cooperation.' Meanwhile, acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker opened with a warm 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' – in Urdu, no less – as she spoke of shared values, mutual respect, and a future rich with potential. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz says Pakistan-US relations entering new era
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday declared that Pakistan-US relations are entering a new era while expressing hope that the recent ceasefire with India would prove lasting and durable, APP reported. Speaking at the US Embassy's Independence Day ceremony, the PM emphasized enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, IT, energy, and agriculture. PM Shehbaz noted historic bilateral relations, recalling US support for Pakistan's early nation-building projects like dams. He highlighted Pakistan's sacrifices as a frontline state post-9/11, suffering 90,000 casualties and $150 billion in economic losses. The PM called the Pulwama incident a 'false-flag operation,' citing Pakistan's restraint despite India's 'aggression,' including downing six Indian jets in self-defense. He praised President Trump's 'peacemaker' role in brokering the ceasefire after US officials urged de-escalation during clashes in May.


Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan hires Trump-linked lobbyists to boost ties with US amid India tensions
Pakistan has hired two lobbyist firms close to the US President to plead its case amid conflict with India which may have had its impact on Donald Trump's recent approach in equating India with Pakistan. Longtime Trump associates have recently signed their agreements to represent Pakistani. Javelin Advisors' Keith Schiller, Trump's former bodyguard, and George Sorial, the Trump Organisation's former compliance chief, would facilitate Pakistan create "long-term economic partnerships" in the US by boosting the country's ties to the US government and private sector. Sources claim this would explain Trump's constant references on the trade deal with Pakistan. Pakistan is trying to secure investments for its mining sector, including from US companies. Lobbyists hired by Pakistan are trying to impress the Trump administration on the economic potential of Pakistan-US ties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 기미 잡티, 레이저에 헛돈 쓰지 마세요 두아이연구원 Undo Meanwhile, the MEA spokesperson, answering a question on hiring of lobby firms by India in the US said, "This is not a new practice. This has been in place for several decades and under successive governments since the 1950s. These firms have been regularly engaged by the Embassy as per the requirement of the situation. All such engagements are available in the public domain. In the run-up to the Nuclear Deal in 2007 and thereafter, firms were engaged to strengthen India's case. I should also add that such a practice is common among Embassies and other organisations in Washington DC and in other parts of the US."


Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM praises Trump for peace
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his invaluable offer to play a greater role in bringing lasting peace to South Asia. In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, the PM said Pakistan and the United States have been partners for decades, working closely to protect and promote their mutual interests, as well as to uphold peace and security in critical parts of the world. India waged unjustified war using Pahalgam as excuse: PM Shehbaz Expressing confidence in President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that Pakistan has found a great partner who can reinvigorate the strategic partnership and further strengthen Pakistan-US ties, not only in trade and investment but across all areas of cooperation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Opportunities explored: Aurangzeb meets high-level USPBC team
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting Monday with a high-level delegation of the US Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) led by Esperanza Jelalian, Vice President of the US Pakistan Business Council, said a press release issued on Monday. The delegation comprised leading American investors and representatives from prominent US businesses operating in or exploring opportunities in Pakistan. The finance minister welcomed the continued interest and investment by US companies in Pakistan and appreciated the participation of US officials and business representatives in the recently held Pakistan Minerals Forum. He underscored the vast potential for expanding Pakistan-US economic cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as energy, minerals, agriculture, and digital services. Aurangzeb, USPBC team discuss investment During the meeting, Senator Aurangzeb highlighted the government's commitment to creating a conducive and enabling business environment for both domestic and foreign investors. He informed the delegation that the government was carefully reviewing policy suggestions, including those related to the taxation regime, submitted by industry bodies and business forums—including USPBC—as part of the consultative process ahead of the forthcoming federal budget. He reiterated the government's intention to support sustainable and profitable business growth for US and other international investors in Pakistan. The finance minister also recalled his recent visit to the United States to attend the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings. He briefed the delegation on his extensive engagements during the visit, which included over 70 interactions over a six-day period with a wide range of stakeholders including government counterparts, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), investment banks, multilateral and bilateral partners, rating agencies, think tanks, and leading international media outlets. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025