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.
Sting will be joining the Super Bowl!
The Every Breath You Take singer has been added to the lineup of musicians and is set to headline a Super Bowl-branded concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on February 6.
The NFL’s hospitality provider, on location, announced the news, noting that the show will be part of the Super Bowl LX Studio 60 event, “a weekend of unforgettable music entertainment at one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues.”
A second night of festivities will take place on February 7 with the additional performers yet to be announced.
The concert will take place two days before the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where Bad Bunny is set to perform the halftime show.
This announcement comes amid controversy surrounding rapper/singer Bad Bunny’s engagement for the flagship US sporting event.
Several conservative political figures, including President Donald Trump, have spoken out against the decision of hiring the Puerto Rican singer for the event.
Bad Bunny has previously said he will not tour the US mainland over concerns his concerts could be targeted by federal immigration authorities.
It is also pertinent to mention that amid the controversy and his commitment to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime show, Bad Bunny was named the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century at the 2025 Latin Billboard Music Awards.
Meghan Markle is said to be “carefully” planning her next career move.
Amid the uncertainty of the Duchess of Sussex’s future with Netflix, she has subtly dropped hints of her next chapter, via Radaronline.com.
As the 44-year-old mom recently took to her Instagram account to share rare behind-the-scenes glimpses of the second season of her lifestyle show, also featuring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, royal sources believe she is giving a nod to her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.
“Meghan’s been carefully considering her next step. She knows the latest season didn’t reach the same success as the first, and she’s reflecting on what direction to take,” a source close to Meghan told the outlet.
“The Tig was something deeply personal to her – it showcased her creativity and gave her a real bond with her audience. She’s been longing to reconnect with that side of herself,” the insider added.
This came after the second season of Meghan’s series With Love, Meghan did not make it to the streamer’s Top 10 list, while the first season reached 2.6 million views and hit 12.6 million hours during its first week of release.
A second source claimed, “The series didn’t pull in the figures Netflix was hoping for, and that created some strain in the deal.
“Meghan holds herself to incredibly high standards – she wants her work to have substance, but she’s also very aware of public perception. She’s been taking her time to decide the smartest next move.”
Prince Harry is warning parents against posting their kids’ photos on social media.
Speaking to Hasan Minhaj in a recent interview, the Duke of Sussex spoke about the increase in cyber crime and the vices of social media.
“Parents can do whatever they want,” Harry responded.
“But from what I’ve seen, what I’ve heard, what I’ve experienced, is you should be really really worried, concerned and cautious about putting photographs of your kids online.
“Especially now, with this surge of unregulated AI. You don’t know where it’s going to go, how it’s going to be used,” he noted.
Harry added: “But that’s also really sad. There’s parents watching this asking ‘well how am I supposed to share photos with people across the world’.”
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