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.
Dwayne Johnson has stunned fans and fashion critics alike by arriving at the 2026 Met Gala in a bold, custom-made pleated skirt.
Walking the red carpet hand-in-hand with his wife, Lauren Hashian, the star known as “The Rock” swapped his usual trousers for a black mohair tailcoat and matching skirt designed by Thom Browne.
The intricate outfit was a true work of art, featuring a “skeletal composition” made from over 350 metres of hand-pleated silk ribbons.
When journalists caught up with him to ask how he felt about the ensemble, Johnson was quick to explain that the look was deeply rooted in his heritage.
He mentioned that when the design team initially questioned if he would be comfortable with a pleated skirt, his answer was an immediate yes.
Johnson pointed out that in Polynesian culture, men frequently wear lavalavas and skirts, noting that the most masculine men in his culture embrace these garments.
“I feel great!” he told reporters, laughing off any suggestion that the outfit was anything less than traditional for him.
The actor joins an elite list of attendees at this year’s event, which is being hosted by a committee including the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doja Cat.
As one of the most talked-about men of the night, Johnson’s choice to embrace his Polynesian roots through high fashion directly addressed the “Fashion is Art” theme.
By blending Thom Browne’s avant-garde tailoring with the cultural significance of the lavalava, he managed to turn a red-carpet moment into a meaningful conversation about identity and what it really means to be a modern man.
Cosmopolitan editor discusses what celebrities might wear
A senior fashion editor at Cosmopolitan said celebrities’ outfits could vary vastly as they take on their own interpretations of this year’s theme.
Jessica Neises said some could lean into the “body and fitted silhouettes,” meaning bodycon dresses. Some stars could also tap into the art side.
“Maybe the garment itself is a beautiful piece of art with embroidery or different beading,” she said.
Neises said she thinks there will be a lot of color and vibrancy on the red carpet.
“Tonight is not about being quiet with the fashion. It’s really about being loud. Hopefully, no plain black suits. We want extravagance,” she said.
Venus Williams
Tennis players Venus Williams is serving as one of the co-chairs of the event. She, like many other attendees tonight, is leaning into statement jewelry.
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images
Nicole Kidman and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban
Nicole Kidman, one of tonight’s co-chairs of the event, brings along her daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. This is Sunday Rose’s first time attending the Met Gala, while Nicole is a seasoned pro who has attended the event for over 20 years.
Mike Coppola / Getty Images 
Chloe Malle
Chloe Malle replaced Wintour as head of editorial content at Vogue in September 2025 at the age of 38.
Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images 
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour, now the chief content officer for Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, arrives at the Met Gala. Wintour is the deciding force behind who gets to attend the prestigious event.
Mike Coppola / Getty Images 
Actress and model Cara Delevingne stuns on the red carpet
Cara Delevingne, one of the red carpet hosts for Vogue, arrives in a custom Ralph Lauren dress. Delevingne has been a frequent face at the Met Gala since her first appearance in 2011.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images 
Who is hosting the Met Gala?
Singer Beyoncé, Actress Nicole Kidman and tennis player Venus Williams will co-chair the event alongside Anna Wintour.
There’s also a host committee chaired by designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz.
There are several celebrities who are also on the host committee. It includes musicians Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, LISA, Sam Smith and Yseult; dancer Misty Copeland; actors Teyana Taylor, Elizabeth Debicki, Gwendoline Christie and Lena Dunham; WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson; models Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser and Lauren Wasser; Vogue editor Chloe Malle; and artist Anna Weyant.
Vogue red carpet hosts, Ashley Graham and Emma Chamberlain, arrive
Model Ashley Graham and influencer Emma Chamberlain will serve as Vogue’s red-carpet hosts throughout the evening, alongside actor Cara Delevingne and TV personality La La Anthony.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images 
Mike Coppola / Getty Images 
What is the dress code?
The Met Gala’s dress code is “Fashion is Art,” going hand-in-hand with the “Costume Art” theme.
Organizers say the show will highlight the connection between clothing and the body and the “complex interplay between artistic representations of the body and fashion as an embodied art form.”
What time does the red carpet start?
The event is held on the first Monday in May every year at the museum in New York City.
Arrivals officially start at 5:30 p.m., but many stars are known to show up late.
Singer Rihanna showed up around 10 p.m. last year, just after rapper and Bronx native Cardi B and actress Halle Berry. The first to arrive last year was singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor a little after 5 p.m.
Members of the press check in hours before to line up along The Met’s iconic steps and watch the stars arrive.
What does the theme “Costume Art” mean?
The annual gala is based on the spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
“Costume Art” strives to make the connection between bodies and the clothes they wear, according to the exhibit’s curator.
“Costume Art will present a dynamic and scholarly conversation between garments from The Costume Institute and an array of artworks from across The Met’s collection, elevating universal and timeless themes while bringing forward new ideas and ways of seeing,” said Max Hollein, CEO of The Met.
Jack Brooksbank, turning 40 appears to have been a far more low-key affair this year, shaped by family priorities, changing circumstances, and a fresh chapter in life.
The businessman, who celebrated his birthday on Sunday, marked the occasion quietly alongside wife Princess Eugenie and their two young sons, August and Ernest.
The intimate tone of the day comes just as Buckingham Palace confirmed the couple are expecting their third child.
Eugenie offered a rare personal glimpse into their celebrations, sharing relaxed beachside photographs and a heartfelt tribute: “Happy 40th my love. Here’s to another 16. xx”
In recent years, Brooksbank’s life has undergone a notable transformation.
The couple’s move to Portugal in 2022 marked a turning point, offering a quieter environment away from the intensity of royal life in the UK.
There, Brooksbank has been involved with the Discovery Land Company, contributing to high-end property developments, while also continuing his own drinks venture launched in 2016.
This more private chapter comes amid ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the wider York family, which insiders suggest has naturally encouraged a more reserved approach to public life.
As a result, celebrations that might once have been high-profile have instead taken on a more reflective and intimate tone.
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Met Gala 2026 “Costume Art” red carpet pictures from New York City
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