Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) transformed into a vibrant panorama of music, flavor and tradition on Saturday as students, teachers and diplomats gathered to celebrate International Culture Day 2025.&nbsp;According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, the annual festival, inaugurated by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, turned the campus into a &ldquo;living mosaic of global harmony,&rdquo; with cultural representations from more than 50 countries, including Pakistan and China.&nbsp;From the aroma of traditional cuisines drifting across the courtyard to the sound of folk melodies and the colorful display of national costumes, the day offered a vivid experience of unity in diversity.&nbsp;Welcoming the participants, Principal Shazia Amjad praised the collaborative effort behind the event. She lauded students and faculty for their creativity in transforming the campus into &ldquo;a miniature world of cultures,&rdquo; where learning extended beyond classrooms and into shared experiences. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3z0nhD8iCwg?feature=share" title="YouTube Short" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"> </iframe>&nbsp;</div><div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"> </div> Stalls representing various nations were lined with handmade crafts, traditional dishes and decorative displays, attracting visitors eager to &ldquo;experience the world in a single walk.&rdquo; Conversations buzzed, cameras clicked, and exchanges of stories and smiles formed new connections among the community.&nbsp;After visiting the cultural exhibits, Ambassador Hashmi commended PECB for its unique role in strengthening global linkages.&nbsp;He described the institution as &ldquo;a bridge of friendship and understanding&rdquo; between Pakistan, China and the international community, recalling the school&rsquo;s legacy as Beijing&rsquo;s first international institution fostering cross-cultural engagement.&nbsp;The celebration drew a lively crowd of diplomats, Chinese guests, Pakistani families and students, who filled the campus grounds with applause and cheerful energy as performances unfolded, from graceful Chinese dragon dances to lively Pakistani folk songs, each met with enthusiastic response.&nbsp;As the sun set and the flags of dozens of nations fluttered side by side, International Culture Day 2025 concluded with a resonant message: in celebrating each other&rsquo;s heritage, we discover the connections that unite us<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/555728a1-1d1b-40a2-9499-fdaa165a8266-ip 1.jpg" alt="ip 1.jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Source- Pakistan Embassy Beijing</figcaption></figure>

Culture

The Pakistan Embassy College Beijing celebrated International Culture Day 2025 with vibrant performances, cultural stalls, and cuisines from over 50 countries, promoting global harmony and friendship between Pakistan, China, and the international community.

Cultures unite in celebration at Pakistan Embassy College Beijing’s festival

ISLAMABAD: Over 69,000 Palestinians have been killed in two years of Israeli military aggression, Gaza health officials reported Saturday, as the latest body exchanges took place under a fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;Ahmed Dheir, director of forensic medicine at Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis, said 300 bodies have been returned so far, with only 89 identified.&nbsp;&ldquo;We do not have sufficient resources or the DNA to match them with the martyrs&rsquo; families,&rdquo; Dheir said, adding that unidentified bodies will be buried in batches.&nbsp;Families continue to search among the remains. One mother said, &ldquo;I always come here. I have not lost hope. I am still waiting for him,&rdquo; highlighting the enduring anguish across Gaza.&nbsp;Gaza&rsquo;s Health Ministry confirmed that 241 Palestinians were killed since the ceasefire began on October 10, with a total of 69,169 killed since the war started. The ministry noted that additional bodies continue to be recovered from rubble.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers, medics, journalists, and activists in the occupied West Bank during the olive harvest. Eleven people were injured in Beita alone.&nbsp;Jonathan Pollak, an activist caught in the attack, described the violence:&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a pattern we see every day. This is just one finger in the iron fist of Israeli policy aiming to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from their land,&rdquo; he told the Associated Press.&nbsp;Palestinian paramedics also reported another settler assault in Burin, injuring four international activists and a 57-year-old man. Rights groups say arrests for settler violence are rare, with prosecutions even rarer.&nbsp;The ongoing violence underscores the fragile state of the ceasefire, as countless Palestinians remain missing, families search for loved ones, and settler aggression continues unchecked. With additional inputs from AFP

Middle East

Gaza Health Ministry says over 69,000 Palestinians killed in two years of Israeli military aggression, with 241 killed since October 10 ceasefire, amid ongoing settler attacks in West Bank.

Over 69,000 Palestinians killed in two years of Israeli aggression in Gaza

JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities said Saturday they were investigating a student over their alleged involvement in explosions that wounded nearly 100 people at a school in the capital Jakarta. The blasts hit a school mosque in North Jakarta just as people were gathering for Friday prayers, sparking panic among worshippers.The national police chief said investigators had gathered &quot;several pieces of evidence&quot; as part of their probe. &quot;There&#39;s writing, and there is also evidence of powder that could potentially have caused an explosion,&quot; Listyo Sigit Prabowo said in comments broadcast by Kompas TV. Authorities so far have identified one suspect, a student who was wounded in the explosions, but Listyo did not rule out the involvement of others. Investigators are also examining the suspect&#39;s family and social media, the police chief added. Ninety-six people were wounded in the incident, Listyo said, revising the police&#39;s earlier casualty figure of 54. Twenty-nine victims remain hospitalised including at least two in intensive care, he said. Mayndra Eka Wardhana, spokesman for the counter-terrorism police unit Densus 88, told AFP that investigators had searched the suspect&#39;s home. He added that they were still probing the motive behind the incident. A witness told AFP there was confusion over what happened. &quot;At first we thought it came from some electronic equipment, maybe the sound system... but it turned out the explosion came from under the prayer mat,&quot; Kinza Ghaisan Rayyan, a 17-year-old student, said Friday.

Asia

Indonesia is investigating a student over explosions at a North Jakarta school mosque that wounded 96 people. Police say evidence included explosive powder. The suspect, also injured, is being questioned as motives and possible accomplices are probed.

Indonesia probes student after nearly 100 hurt in school blasts

WASHINGTON: Freight carriers UPS and FedEx said they have grounded their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes after one of them was involved in a deadly crash in Kentucky this week. A McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS exploded into flames when it crashed shortly after departing on Tuesday from the airport in the US city of Louisville, killing at least 14 people. A three-person crew was aboard. Both carriers said they were acting on a recommendation from the plane&rsquo;s manufacturer to halt use of these planes. McDonnell Douglas originally made the MD-11 but was acquired by Boeing in 1997. &ldquo;Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety, we have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet,&rdquo; UPS said Friday. &ldquo;The grounding is effective immediately. We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer,&rdquo; the courier added. It said around nine percent of UPS&rsquo;s fleet are MD-11s. FedEx said Saturday it, too, had grounded its 28 MD-11s out of a total fleet of around 700 aircraft as it conducts a safety review. &ldquo;With safety as our top priority, we recommended to the three operators of the MD-11 Freighter that they suspend flight operations while additional engineering analysis is performed,&rdquo; Boeing said in a statement. Besides UPS and FedEx, the only other carrier using the MD-11 is Western Global Airlines. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said another crash victim had been located, bringing the total number to 14. &ldquo;Please pray for these families, the Louisville community, and everyone affected by this terrible event,&rdquo; he said on X. Trail of debrisThe plane, filled with around 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel for the long-haul flight to Hawaii, narrowly missed a major Ford vehicle assembly plant that employs about 3,000 people. Aerial footage of the crash site showed a long trail of debris as firefighters poured water on the flames, with smoke billowing from the area. Investigators have said the accident was caused by one of the engines catching fire and detaching during takeoff. Todd Inman, a member of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said this week that investigators had identified the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder&mdash;known as a plane&rsquo;s black boxes&mdash;and would send them to Washington for analysis. The crash was reportedly the deadliest in UPS history. Its main hub, Worldport, is in Louisville, where it employs thousands of people. According to the NTSB, the plane was built in 1991 and was modified into a cargo aircraft. McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997. The crash comes amid the longest government shutdown in US history, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning this week of &ldquo;mass chaos&rdquo; in the skies due to a lack of air traffic control staff. Inman said the NTSB was not aware of any staff shortages at Louisville&rsquo;s airport at the time of the crash.

Gadgets

Freight carriers UPS and FedEx said they have grounded their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes, after one of them was involved in a deadly crash in Kentucky

UPS, FedEx ground MD-11 cargo planes after deadly crash

FAISALABAD: Spinner Abrar Ahmed took a career-best four wicket haul as Pakistan dismissed South Africa for a paltry 143 in the third and final one-day international in Faisalabad on Saturday.&nbsp;The 27-year-old grabbed 4-27 while fellow spinner Salman Agha (2-18) and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-18) shared wickets as only four batters crossed double figures after South Africa won the toss and batted.&nbsp;Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1 against South Africa, clinching the final game in Faisalabad.&nbsp;Quinton de Kock followed his hundred in the second match with a top score of 53 off 70 balls with a six and six boundaries while Lhuan-dre Pretorius knocked a 45-ball 39 with a six and four boundaries.&nbsp;De Kock and Pretorius set the platform with a 72-run opening stand before the spinners hit back for Pakistan as the visitors lost their nine wickets for 56 runs.&nbsp;Agha dismissed Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi for two in the space of 15 runs before left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz ended all hopes of a big total with the wicket of De Kock in the 25th over.&nbsp;Abrar jolted the innings by dismissing Rubin Hermann (one), Donovan Ferreira (seven) and Corbin Bosch (nought) in successive overs.&nbsp;He then ended skipper Matthew Breetzke&#39;s resistence-filled 16 to improve on his previous best of 4-33 which came against Zimbabwe in Harare last year.&nbsp;Shaheen had Nqabayomzi Peter (16) and Lungi Ngidi (nought) to wrap the innings in the 38th over.&nbsp;

Cricket

Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1 against South Africa, with Abrar Ahmed taking a career-best 4-27 to help dismiss the visitors for 143 in the final Faisalabad match, supported by Agha and Shaheen Afridi.


Abrar's four wicket haul helps Pakistan skittle South Africa for 143

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering commitment to peace, while making it clear that the country&rsquo;s sovereignty and territorial integrity remained inviolable. &ldquo;Pakistan seeks peace, just like our Azerbaijani and Turkish brothers, but let there be no doubt: no one can ever be allowed to challenge our sovereignty or undermine our territorial integrity,&rdquo; the prime minister said while addressing Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Victory Day parade in Baku. He said Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan were &ldquo;three brothers whose hearts beat together,&rdquo; standing shoulder to shoulder on an occasion that symbolized unity and mutual trust. &ldquo;What a proud and scintillating sight it is to witness our valiant armed forces marching beside their Azerbaijani and Turkish brothers, as the skies come alive with the roar of the JF-17 Thunder jets, a resounding symbol of our enduring friendship,&rdquo; he added. Recalling the participation of Azerbaijani and Turkish contingents in Pakistan&rsquo;s parade in Islamabad earlier this year, the prime minister said such shared moments reflected a deep and historic bond among the three nations. He paid tribute to Azerbaijan&rsquo;s liberation of Karabakh under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, calling it &ldquo;a glorious vindication of a just cause and a beacon of hope for all nations striving for sovereignty and self-determination.&rdquo; The prime minister noted that Pakistan had stood &ldquo;like a rock&rdquo; by Azerbaijan throughout its struggle, just as Azerbaijan and Turkiye stood firmly with Pakistan during the four-day conflict with India earlier this year. He praised the &ldquo;dynamic and fearless command&rdquo; of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces, noting the precision and professionalism with which they defended the motherland. The prime minister also highlighted Turkiye&rsquo;s development under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing it as &ldquo;one of the most successful models of progress in the modern world.&rdquo; He expressed appreciation for international diplomatic engagement that contributed to regional stability, emphasizing, &ldquo;True victory lies not on the battlefield alone, but in building bridges of peace and understanding.&rdquo; The prime minister extended felicitations from the people of Pakistan to the people of Azerbaijan on the fifth anniversary of their Victory Day, praying for the progress and prosperity of the three brotherly nations. President Ilham Aliyev, in his remarks, thanked Pakistan and Turkiye for their steadfast support during the conflict. He said the joint participation of the armed forces in the parade demonstrated &ldquo;unity, brotherhood and friendship,&rdquo; reaffirming that &ldquo;Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan.&rdquo; President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Azerbaijan on its national triumph, saying the victory marked &ldquo;the beginning of enduring peace in the region&rdquo; and underlined the importance of improved regional connectivity for shared economic growth. Azerbaijan celebrates Victory Day on November 8 to mark its success in the 2020 Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, resulting in the liberation of territories previously under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades

Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistani troops proudly march alongside Azerbaijani and Turkish forces, as JF-17 fighter jets perform fly-past in Baku.

Karabakh Victory Day: Pakistan backs peace, asserts sovereignty non-negotiable

Staff Reporter

LAHORE: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a new digital investment platform, InvestPak, enabling individuals and corporations to invest in government securities entirely online.&nbsp;The initiative forms part of the central bank&rsquo;s broader strategy to modernize Pakistan&rsquo;s financial infrastructure and accelerate the shift toward a cashless economy.&nbsp;According to the SBP, InvestPak digitizes the entire investment process for customers holding rupee accounts with banks, primary dealers (PDs), and microfinance banks (MFBs). Through the web portal, users can open Investor Portfolio of Securities (IPS) accounts, submit bids in primary auctions, and trade government securities in the secondary market without visiting a branch.&nbsp;&ldquo;All banks are mandated to facilitate customer registration on the portal,&rdquo; the SBP said in a circular. &ldquo;Microfinance banks are encouraged to extend the same facility to their clients. All financial institutions must ensure efficient onboarding and a seamless user experience.&rdquo;&nbsp;The system allows users to link and operate multiple rupee and IPS accounts across different financial institutions via a single login, with registration requests required to be processed within two working days.&nbsp;As of June 30, 2025, total investment in government securities stood at Rs46.566 trillion, with scheduled banks holding Rs38.7 trillion (83%) and corporates Rs7.856 trillion (17%). The SBP expects that opening access to individual investors through InvestPak will broaden participation, deepen the domestic debt market, and diversify the investor base.&nbsp;The launch comes as the central bank advances a comprehensive digitalization roadmap. In September, the National Assembly&rsquo;s finance committee was informed that all federal and provincial government payments are to be fully digitized by June 2026, including transactions of state-owned enterprises.&nbsp;SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad told the committee that the central bank is taking &ldquo;comprehensive steps to promote a secure, inclusive, and technology-driven payments ecosystem,&rdquo; noting that 88% of retail transactions in Pakistan are now digital&mdash;a major shift reflecting the rapid uptake of electronic payments.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s digital financial infrastructure currently supports 226 million bank accounts and 46 million Raast IDs. To strengthen consumer protection, the SBP has introduced a bank liability framework and a mandatory two-hour cooling-off period for digital transfers to mitigate fraud.&nbsp;The digital banking landscape is also expanding. Mashreq Bank recently became the first international bank to launch full digital operations in Pakistan, rolling out nationwide services in 12 months&mdash;significantly faster than the global average of five years. Five additional digital banks have received in-principle approval to operate.&nbsp;To promote innovation, the SBP has also backed new digital payment solutions. Governor Ahmad recently inaugurated the JazzCash Experience Lounge, featuring facial and palm biometrics, wearables, and QR-based payment technologies.&nbsp;The SBP said InvestPak represents a major step in expanding public access to investment opportunities in Pakistan&rsquo;s financial markets, calling it part of a long-term transition to &ldquo;a more transparent, inclusive, and digitally driven economy.&rdquo;

Economy

The State Bank of Pakistan launched InvestPak, a digital platform enabling individuals and corporates to invest in government securities online, aiming to modernize financial infrastructure, promote inclusion, and advance Pakistan’s cashless economy

Pakistan’s central bank launches InvestPak to expand digital access to government securities

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet on Friday approved the issuance of a Government of Pakistan guarantee worth 659 billion rupees for circular debt financing of 1.225 trillion rupees, the Press Information Department said in a statement issued on Nov. 7, 2025. The approval, granted during a meeting chaired by Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, aims to settle the debt of Power Holding Limited and clear overdue payments to Independent Power Producers. The committee also authorized the Finance Division to issue a Letter of Comfort and directed the Power Division to present a timeline for the closure of Power Holding Limited once the debt is settled. The meeting also endorsed a framework for rationalizing tariffs and adjusting payments related to nuclear power plants, government-owned generation companies, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. The framework, developed by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Task Force on Power Sector Reforms, seeks to improve financial sustainability and reduce costs in the energy sector. In addition, the committee approved a proposal from the Petroleum Division to allocate and price gas from the Mari Field for fertilizer plants to maintain an adequate and affordable supply. It also allowed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to reallocate funds to support ongoing agricultural research projects. A summary from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding the use of Pakistan International Bulk Terminal at Port Qasim for exporting minerals and metals was deferred, with instructions for the ministry to revise the proposal in consultation with stakeholders. The meeting also reviewed a report on the &quot;Home Remittance Incentive Schemes&quot; to ensure continued stability in remittance inflows. The committee further approved a technical supplementary grant of &quot;960 million rupees for the payment of salaries to transferred staff of the Pakistan Public Works Department for the current quarter. The Capital Development Authority was asked to submit a report on its long-term plan for the employees by December,&quot; the statement added.&nbsp;

Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet on Nov. 7, 2025. (Radio Pakistan)

The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet on Friday approved the issuance of a Government of Pakistan guarantee worth 659 billion rupees for circular debt financing of 1.225 trillion rupees, the Press Information Department said in a statement issued on Nov. 7, 2025.

ECC approves guarantee of Rs659b for circular debt financing

ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, while addressing Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Victory Day Parade on Saturday in Baku, acknowledged Pakistan&rsquo;s support in its war against Armenia and stated, &ldquo;Pakistan backed us with solidarity and support in war&rdquo;. Victory Day is observed in Azerbaijan on November 8 to commemorate its victory in the 44-day-long Karabakh Liberation War against Armenia.Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were present at the ceremony. President Aliyev thanked leaders of Pakistan and Turkiye for accepting his invitation to attend the event and welcomed their presence at the venue. &nbsp; He said that &ldquo;today we have other important person, my dear brother prime minister of brotherly Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, stands with us, and the brotherly Pakistani state has shown the solidarity and support in all 44 days of our war.&rdquo; Aliyev further said, &ldquo;today at this parade we have also Pakistani military personnel that is marching with us at this parade. And Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkiye are showing solidarity between their armed forces.&rdquo; He said, &ldquo;Our policy was to restore territorial integrity and sovereignty. We proved to the world our resilience.&rdquo; &ldquo;Karabagh is Azerbaijan.&rdquo; Pakistani troops and JF 17 Thunder fighter jets appeared in Azerbaijan&rsquo;s victory parade commemorating the Liberation of Karabagh. &lsquo;Source of pride&rsquo;&nbsp;Erdogan, while speaking at the event said that &ldquo;on the fifth anniversary of the victory day, I am very happy to be here.&rdquo; &ldquo;He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his presence. I wish Aliyev continued and lasting success.&rdquo; &ldquo;Liberation of Karabagh is a source of pride not just for Azerbaijan but for the entire Turkic world,&rdquo; Erdogan said. &lsquo;Three brothers&rsquo;Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address praised the &ldquo;heroic personnel of the armed forces of Azerbaijan.&rdquo; Sharif thanked President Aliyev for his invitation.&nbsp; He said that &ldquo;Pakistan, Azerbaijan and T&uuml;rkiye are three brothers whose hearts beat together along with our brothers from UAE.&rdquo; Sharif said Pakistan will stand with our brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan for all times to come. &ldquo;Long live Pakistan, Azerbaijan, T&uuml;rkiye, and UAE friendship,&rdquo; the Pakistani prime minister said at the end of his brief address.

Pakistani troops, JF-17 jets feature in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day Parade; Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attend the ceremony; Sharif says ‘long live Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, UAE friendship.’

Pakistan backed us in war: Azerbaijan president

ISLAMABAD: The United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations on Saturday, with both sides emphasizing the goal of developing an &ldquo;economically entrenched strategic partnership.&rdquo; The reaffirmation came during a meeting between US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur and Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh at the State Department in Washington.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1986959822462275854&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=67811c1fc0b3ff0eae270c1483ee35931d4cf782&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1986959822462275854">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Ambassador Sheikh described the discussion as cordial and forward-looking, noting that both sides explored ways to turn recent high-level political resolve into concrete cooperation. &ldquo;We discussed the ways and means of translating the resolve &mdash; expressed at the leadership level &mdash; of developing Pakistan&ndash;US ties into an economically entrenched strategic partnership through sustained engagement in multiple domains of mutual interest,&rdquo; Sheikh said on X. Kapur, who assumed his new role on Oct. 22, said it was a &ldquo;pleasure&rdquo; to meet the Pakistani envoy and that they discussed &ldquo;ways to advance the US-Pakistan relationship and make our countries more prosperous and secure.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1986916860864938039&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=67811c1fc0b3ff0eae270c1483ee35931d4cf782&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 825px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1986916860864938039">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The meeting followed a visit by US Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker to Islamabad on Friday, where she met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar noted the &ldquo;positive momentum&rdquo; in Pakistan-US relations and discussed ongoing efforts by Washington and Arab-Islamic nations to promote peace and stability in Palestine and the wider Middle East.<figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/351c313b-dd71-463a-8d17-c9568b5bec5a-dar and us.jpg" alt="US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker meets Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025." class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>US Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Natalie Baker meets Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 (Radio Pakistan).</figcaption></figure>In recent months, US officials have highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s role in promoting regional stability and its potential to contribute to economic and energy initiatives in South and Central Asia. The Trump administration has also encouraged American firms to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan&rsquo;s infrastructure, minerals, and technology sectors. Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington seeks to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan while maintaining close ties with India. In September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met former President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic engagement. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the meeting. Trump has continued to emphasize his administration&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts during the May military standoff between India and Pakistan, saying that swift US engagement &ldquo;prevented a nuclear conflict&rdquo; after both nations exchanged airstrikes. In multiple public remarks, he has claimed that swift US diplomatic engagement &ldquo;stopped a nuclear conflict&rdquo; after the two neighbors exchanged airstrikes, asserting that Pakistan &ldquo;shot down eight Indian planes&rdquo; during the clashes.

US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur meets Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh at the State Department on Nov. 8, 2025, to discuss advancing bilateral ties for greater prosperity and security.(X/Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh)

The United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations on Saturday, with both sides emphasizing the goal of developing an “economically entrenched strategic partnership.”

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