ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a cordial telephone conversation on Friday, focusing on regional peace, bilateral cooperation, and key international developments, including the Middle East crisis.
The Prime Minister extended his warm wishes to US President Donald Trump, praising what he described as “bold leadership,” while also lauding Rubio’s role in facilitating a “ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.” He said this move helped avert “a potential catastrophe between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.”
Highlighting the significance of dialogue, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage with India on all unresolved matters, such as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade, and counter-terrorism. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue,” he emphasized.
On the Iran-Israel crisis, the Prime Minister underlined Pakistan’s firm belief that “the only viable solution lies in peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement.” He offered Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts to ease tensions, stressing the broader global stakes involved.
Economic cooperation also featured in the discussion, with the Prime Minister noting that President Trump’s focus on enhancing trade ties aligns with Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation in areas including investment, energy, rare earth minerals, mining, and information technology.
In the area of security, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. He cited threats posed by banned groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Secretary Rubio, in response, “acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and assured full U.S. cooperation in addressing these threats.”
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the recent meeting between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and President Trump, describing it as “productive and cordial.” Both sides agreed to transform recent progress into “concrete action across multiple areas of mutual interest.”
Looking ahead, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of sustained high-level engagement and extended an invitation to both President Trump and Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan.
Secretary Rubio, in turn, appreciated the Prime Minister’s call and reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan. He also praised Pakistan’s role in maintaining the ceasefire with India and its efforts for regional peace, saying the US intends to work “closely with Islamabad to promote regional and global peace and stability.”