Entertainment
DPM Dar, Rubio discuss global developments, reaffirm resolve to boost Pak-US ties
- DPM Dar receives phone call from US Sec of State Marco Rubio: FO.
- Leaders expressed satisfaction over trajectory of Pakistan-US ties.
- Recent regional and international developments also discussed.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reaffirmed their resolve to bolster Pakistan-US ties and strengthen bilateral relations across multifaceted areas of cooperation.
Secretary of State Rubio, as per the Foreign Office, held a call with DPM Dar wherein the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US ties and discussed recent regional and international developments.
The development comes against the backdrop of improving diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Washington — especially following the armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which ended after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
DPM Dar, back in July, had met Rubio, where the latter praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror.
The meeting was held at the delegation level, with senior officials from both sides in attendance. The two sides discussed a broad range of issues, including bilateral ties, prospects for enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, investment, counter-terrorism, and regional peace.
Soon after the meeting, the two countries announced reaching a trade agreement, which aimed at boosting bilateral trade, improving market access, attracting investment, and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Under the agreement, there will be a reduction in tariffs, particularly on Pakistani exports to the US, and a fresh start in economic cooperation between the two countries, which also includes developing oil reserves.
Earlier this month, Pakistan secured around $500 million investment from the US in its critical minerals sector under a newly signed agreement with United States Strategic Metals (USSM).
The agreements cover cooperation in the development and processing of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs), as well as logistics services.
The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), Pakistan’s largest miner of critical minerals, inked a landmark MoU with USSM, a leading US-based processor, recycler and miner.
The deal establishes a framework for collaboration across a range of strategic minerals essential for the defence, aerospace, and technology industries.
The cooperation aims to unlock new opportunities in sustainable growth, technology transfer, and job creation, while prioritising environmental responsibility.

Separately, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) signed an MoU with Mota-Engil Group to explore long-term partnerships in engineering and construction.
The improving economic, trade and diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Washington are also to be taken in the context of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir’s multiple high-level visits to the US — including a rare one-on-one meeting with President Trump in June.
The COAS recently visited the US in August for the retirement ceremony of outgoing Commander United States Central Command (Centcom), General Michael E Kurilla, and the Change of Command Ceremony marking the assumption of command by Admiral Brad Cooper.
During the visit, the army chief met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine.
Entertainment
Jim Belushi shares having lively dreams about late brother John
Jim Belushi is opening up about a deeply personal experience that has stayed with him for decades, revealing that he still has recurring dreams about his late brother, John Belushi, more than 40 years after his death.
The actor and comedian says these dreams feel less like memories and more like meaningful reunions.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Jim, now 71, shared that several of these dreams have stood out over the years, especially those where John appears healthy, alive, and doing what they both loved most.
“He’s alive and fine, and we were acting together,” Jim said. “We’re improvising at Second City or on Saturday Night Live.”
In the dreams, the brothers are back on stage, fully immersed in comedy, as if time never interrupted their bond.
Jim admitted that even in his dreams, John’s humour gets the best of him.
“I got mad at him because he was making me laugh so hard I couldn’t stay in character,” he said, recalling how those moments would play out.
“Those were kind of nice visits.” The actor’s words reflect both the joy and ache of reconnecting with a brother he lost too soon.
John Belushi, a celebrated Saturday Night Live star and performer, died on March 5, 1982, at just 33 years old.
His death was ruled an accidental overdose caused by acute cocaine and heroin intoxication, often referred to as a “speedball.”
More than 43 years later, Jim says the dreams still come from time to time, offering what he describes as “little visits.”
He echoed similar thoughts in a conversation with Variety, explaining, “I have dreams once in a while where he and I are acting at Second City.”
Jim went on to describe one dream in detail, saying, “We were on stage together, and he was so funny that I cracked up, eating the scene in front of everybody. I got so mad at him, because that’s the worst thing you can do, is break character, right? But he was just so funny, and he goes, ‘Ah, come on, kid!’ He was sweet to me. So, I still get little visits.”
Jim Belushi has spoken about his brother many times over the years, often reflecting on their close relationship and shared passion for comedy.
Today, as he stars in the new film Song Sung Blue alongside Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, those dreams remain a comforting reminder that the connection he shared with John never truly faded.
Entertainment
Olivia Rodrigo, Louis Partridge call it quits after two years, details revealed
Olivia Rodrigo and Louis Partridge have reportedly broken up after dating for two years.
The Hope ur OK singer and the House of Guinness actor, who started seeing each other in 2023, are said to have parted ways a few weeks ago.
A source told The Sun that people close to the couple were surprised by the news.
However, the insider said it was a hard time for both of them and that they thought it was better to be apart for now.
Olivia, 22, is reportedly very emotional when talking about the break-up at Lily Allen’s Christmas party at Stringfellows in Covent Garden, London, on December 20.
Insider revealed that friends are there to support her but the source said it was still a tough and sad moment.
Olivia and Louis didn’t confirm the split just yet, as in September, Louis said he was happy being known as Olivia’s boyfriend and told Variety that everything was good between them.
Earlier in their relationship, the driver license hitmaker visited Louis in London with her friend Conan Gray.
They spent time together at dinners, clubs and events, showing fans how close they were.
Louis also said he wanted to keep their relationship private, as he told British Vogue that dating should not be done in public.
Moreover, Olivia and Louis’ last public outing together was in October at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Entertainment
King Charles gifts Prince Harry formal meeting with harsh treatment
King Charles and Prince Harry finally came face to face earlier this year but despite warm smiles and exchanged gifts, insiders say the reunion felt less like a family catch up and more like a carefully choreographed diplomatic call.
The 55 minute meeting at Clarence House marked the first time father and son had spoken in person for 19 months, yet sources insist it unfolded on the King’s tightly controlled timetable.
Harry reportedly slipped into London between the monarch’s scheduled audiences during what palace insiders privately dubbed a “faux royal” visit hardly the relaxed homecoming some had imagined.
According to OK! Magazine, Harry left feeling less like a prodigal son and more like a formal visitor.
One insider close to the duke said he later joked that the meeting was so official he might as well have arrived with a diplomatic badge.
Harry had apparently hoped for something warmer and more personal after such a long gap.
The duke brought a framed photograph of himself with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
The King’s grandchildren he has not seen since the Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Charles, for his part, offered a birthday gift, with Harry’s 41st just days away.
Crucially, insiders stress that the conversation steered well clear of Harry’s future role, if any, within the royal setup.
A senior figure with knowledge of the talks was blunt: there was no discussion of duties, responsibilities or hybrid arrangements.
King Charles remains firmly aligned with the Sandringham Agreement reached in January 2020, when Queen Elizabeth ruled out Harry’s request for a part-time royal role while living overseas. That decision, insiders insist, is not being revisited.
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