WASHINGTON, USA – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held high-level discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on trade, investment, counterterrorism, and the evolving regional landscape—particularly ties with India.
Dar revealed that a bilateral trade and investment framework is “nearly finalized,” with both sides aiming to bolster economic cooperation, especially in critical minerals, agriculture, IT, and energy. While the U.S. has yet to confirm a timeline, officials described Pakistan as a growing player in strategic sectors.
Rubio acknowledged Islamabad’s role in averting conflict with India during the May ceasefire, crediting Pakistan for its “constructive role in regional stability” and “sacrifices in the war on terror.” A new U.S.–Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Islamabad next month.
The meeting also touched on concerns regarding Afghanistan, regional peace, and coordination at multilateral forums like the UN Security Council.
Meanwhile, India has pushed back on suggestions that U.S. trade engagement with Pakistan is linked to the ceasefire deal, reaffirming its stance that bilateral issues must be resolved directly.
Diplomatic observers see the meeting as a major step toward redefining U.S.–Pakistan ties, potentially shifting the strategic chessboard in South Asia.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.