PM Shehbaz, US Secretary Rubio discuss regional security, ties in phone call

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday evening, during which the two leaders discussed regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and ways to further enhance bilateral ties.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes for U.S. President Donald Trump and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with the U.S. administration across areas of mutual interest.

The call took place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Shehbaz Sharif shared Pakistan’s stance on regional developments, condemned terrorism in all its forms, and highlighted the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, including the loss of over 90,000 lives and $152 billion in economic damages.

Sharif criticized India’s "escalatory and provocative actions," stating they could undermine Pakistan’s ongoing operations against groups like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which he said were operating from Afghan territory.

He rejected allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack and called for a transparent, international investigation. The prime minister urged the U.S. to encourage de-escalation and avoid inflammatory rhetoric in the region.

Sharif also raised concerns over India’s alleged move to “weaponise water,” warning that it posed a threat to millions in Pakistan and contravened the Indus Waters Treaty. He emphasized that the treaty did not allow unilateral action by any party.

Read: Pakistan warns of strong response to any Indian misadventure

On Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that peaceful resolution of the dispute is vital for regional stability.

Turning to bilateral ties, PM Sharif noted the historical U.S.-Pakistan partnership and identified counter-terrorism and economic cooperation, particularly in the minerals sector, as areas for potential expansion. He also briefed Secretary Rubio on recent economic reforms, claiming progress toward financial stability.

Secretary Rubio thanked the prime minister for his input and reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement to ensure regional peace and security.