Pakistan News
High-powered delegation in US to argue Pakistan’s case
WASHINGTON: Pakistan has launched a broad-based engagement campaign in the United States to present its perspective on the recent spike in tensions with India, and counter New Delhi’s growing lobbying presence here.
A high-level Pakistani delegation — consisting of two former foreign ministers, two former foreign secretaries, two former ambassadors to the US, and a serving federal minister — arrived in New York on Sunday for consultations at the United Nations.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Mussadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir, Bushra Anjum Butt and Faisal Sabzwari comprise the delegation.
The group is scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the UN General Assembly, ambassadors of all five permanent members of the Security Council, and will address a joint session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) envoys.
The delegation will kick off its engagements on June 3, with planned meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior administration officials, lawmakers, think-tank analysts, and leading media organisations. Their focus will be on conveying Pakistan’s concerns about regional security and responding to what it calls India’s “escalatory moves”.
This outreach is part of a dual-track strategy involving both official and informal engagements.
Another formal delegation from Islamabad — expected to be led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal — is also due soon for trade-related discussions with US officials.
On the Indian side, a parallel delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is also due in Washington on June 3, while Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded a three-day official visit this past week.
https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1914673
“This is no longer just about border skirmishes,” a senior Pakistani diplomat said. “This is about shaping the international narrative to reflect ground realities.”
In Islamabad, there is growing concern that New Delhi has moved swiftly to frame the conflict in a way that revives scrutiny of Pakistan in multilateral bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the UN. Pakistan’s counteroffensive seeks to prevent what it sees as an Indian effort to turn the recent crisis into a long-term diplomatic liability for Islamabad.
“This is a political campaign masquerading as financial oversight,” said one Pakistani official, referring to India’s push to revisit Pakistan’s FATF status. “We exited the grey list in 2022 after implementing a comprehensive reform programme. There is no technical basis for reopening that file.”
Former diplomats in the delegation stress that Pakistan’s approach centres on transparency, restraint and reform. “We responded with maturity when provoked. That’s the story we are telling here — with facts, not slogans,” said one member.
Senator Sherry Rehman, who is also part of the visiting delegation, emphasised that Pakistan is advancing its own priorities while actively responding to Indian narratives.
“We have our own agenda to advance, but yes, when Indian allegations are brought up, make no mistake — we will use forensic chapter and factual verse. Myth will not be allowed to become the message on Pakistan this time,” she said.
Dar-Lammy call
Separately, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations Security Council.
The understanding came during a conversation between the two diplomats, following Lammy’s recent visit to Pakistan — his first official trip — during which he met senior officials amid heightened tensions with neighbouring India.
The two sides also agreed to remain in contact and meet again on the sidelines of high-level UN events scheduled in New York later this month.
Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2025
Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- A ‘Pakistan-France Trade and Investment Forum’ was held in Paris today, bringing together government officials, business leaders, industry experts and representatives of trade bodies of both countries.
The Forum was held in implementation of an understanding reached between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2024, to build strong economic partnership between Pakistan and France. The objective of the Forum was to connect businesses, exchange ideas, explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation and showcase Pakistan’s trade and investment potential. It witnessed participation of over seventy French and Pakistani companies from diverse sectors including agriculture, information technology, textiles, energy and tourism.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch opened the Business Forum and highlighted Pakistan’s economic growth and potential as an attractive trade partner for France. She outlined investor-focused initiatives and institutional facilitation mechanisms in Pakistan to promote trade and investment. She encouraged Pakistani and French businesses to explore collaborative opportunities, and develop joint ventures and win-win partnerships.
Speakers from the French side included Thierry Pflimlin, Chairman of the France-Pakistan Business Council at MEDEF International, Patricia Glasel, Vice President of the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France (CCEF) and Ardavan Amir-Aslani. They highlighted the growing momentum in France-Pakistan economic relations; identified the opportunities for trade and investment with Pakistan; and underscored the importance of strengthening private sector linkages to further facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The plenary session was followed by ‘Breakout and Business-to-Business (B2B)’ sessions to discuss and identify tangible avenues for collaboration in textiles, agriculture and dairy, and Information Technology.
Pakistan News
Dr. Mohammad Faisal Joins Distinguished Quetta Association Event in London Gathering Reinforces Shared Military Heritage of Pakistan and Britain
High Commissioner @DrMFaisal and his spouse @drsarahnaeem2 attended, as guests of honor, a distinguished gathering of the Quetta Association at the Army & Navy Club, London.
Military Officers from the Defence Wing of Pakistan High Commission, London, with their families also attended.
Quetta Association brings together British officers who graduated from the prestigious Command & Staff College, Quetta, Pakistan. The institution has produced outstanding military leaders, including British Field Marshals Sir Claude Auchinleck and Sir William Slim, whose leadership during the Second World War remains widely respected. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is also graduate of this prestigious institution.
The High Commissioner appreciated the annual gathering that underscored the Association’s enduring role as a vital bridge linking the British Army and Pakistan Army through shared professional heritage and camaraderie.
Decorated British military officers and their families paid glowing tributes while referring to the hospitality accorded by Pakistan during their stay in Quetta.
Graduate senior British Officers present at the gathering included Lt. Gen. Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE (1980) and Maj. Gen. Seumus Kerr CBE (1985).
Mementos were exchanged between the British officers and officers of @PakistaninUK.
In a simple and dignified ceremony held at Pakistan House, London, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK Dr. Mohammad Faisal raised the Pakistan Flag on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
The ceremony was attended by Officials of the High Commission, British – Pakistanis and Media representatives.
Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister were read out.
In his keynote address, the High Commissioner said that Pakistan Day was a tribute to our founding fathers who united the Muslims of Indian sub-continent where they could live independently as a Nation and live according to their customs & traditions.
Dr. Faisal stated that Pakistan had always professed peace and stability in the region. However, Pakistan will not tolerate any aggression from neighbouring countries.
The High Commissioner said that Pakistani nation, despite the difficulties, remains resilient and demonstrates courage & perseverance.
Dr. Mohammad Faisal stated that, in line with the instructions of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister and the Federal Cabinet, Pakistan High Commission London is implementing strict austerity measures. However, these measures will not affect the performance & working of the High Commission.
He acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Pakistani diaspora in UK and their extraordinary performance in various fields. He said that their achievements are a source of immense pride for Pakistan.
The High Commissioner expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and committed to continue diplomatic, moral and political support for their right to self determination under UN Resolutions.
London
23rd March, 2026
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