Latest news with #USPakistanRelations
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
US hails Pakistan role in India ceasefire, counterterrorism cooperation
ISLAMABAD: The United States on Wednesday praised Pakistan's leadership for helping broker a ceasefire with India and deepening counterterrorism cooperation, saying such efforts had made both nations and the wider region more secure. The comments were made by US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker at her country's Independence Day reception in Islamabad. The ceasefire was announced by President Donald Trump on May 10 following a four-day standoff between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, during which the two sides exchanged missile, drone and artillery fire in one of the most intense military escalations in their recent history. 'Our collaboration helped broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, a reminder that when we stand together, even persistent tensions can find a path to peace,' Baker said in her remarks. 'I want to echo President Trump's deep appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal [Asim] Munir for their leadership and commitment in choosing the path of peace,' she continued, calling their vision 'transformative' while hoping to 'take the US-Pakistan relationship into new frontiers.' The US diplomat described the security and defense cooperation between the two countries as a pillar of bilateral partnership. 'For decades, our militaries have trained together, operated together and stood together to address shared threats, from terrorism to regional instability,' she continued. 'Through joint exercises, capacity-building programs and military education exchanges, we've improved not only the security of our own nations but the safety of the wider region.' 'I want to acknowledge and thank our US and Pakistani military officials for your dedication, sacrifice and shared mission to make both our countries safer – a legacy we deeply honor,' she added. Baker cited Pakistan's recent capture and extradition of the Daesh militant responsible for the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul as a major milestone, saying it reflected growing operational trust between the two countries. The attack killed 13 American service members and over 160 Afghan civilians during the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. 'Thanks to the leadership and resolve of Pakistan's military and security authorities, terrorists are being brought to justice,' she said. 'As President Trump noted in his March address to the US Congress, the bravery and wisdom of Pakistan's leadership has made both of our nations more secure.' The event marked the 249th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence and was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani officials, diplomats, business leaders and civil society representatives. Baker said the bilateral US-Pakistan relationship had grown stronger across multiple sectors, from security and trade to innovation and cultural exchange.
Times of Oman
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
US Secretary of State Rubio speaks to Pak Army Chief Asim Munir, offers US assitance to start talks with India
Washington DC : The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Army Chief of Pakistani Army, General Asim Munir held a conversation on Friday (US local time), as noted by the US Department of State. According to the Department of State, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today. He continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts." Earlier, US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the US intends to de-escalate the tensions between both the countries. Leavitt said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in talks with the leaders of both nations to de-escalate. "This is something that the secretary of state and of course now our national security adviser as well, Marco Rubio, has been very much involved in. The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible," she said. Leavitt said that the conflict between the nations is an old one, and talks are on to prevent further escalations. This comes amid rising escalations between India and Pakistan. Pakistan carried out cross-border shelling on Saturday, causing significant damage to civilian areas in Jammu's Rajouri district and heightening fears among residents. A series of explosions damaged several houses and properties across the region, triggering panic among residents. "Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family. The injured have been provided medical assistance, and security forces have sanitised the area. The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary. Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential," the Ministry of Defence said in its statement. India launched the retaliatory strikes immediately after Pakistan attacked 26 locations across India on Saturday, the sources told ANI. Intermittent firing is still going on at several places along the Line of Control (LoC). At least four airbases in Pakistan were hit by Indian strikes in the early hours of Saturday, top government sources said, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
