In a crucial diplomatic development, counterterrorism cooperation took center stage as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held his first official call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The conversation marks a renewed push to rebuild ties between the two nations amid growing regional and economic challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
According to a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the call focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with both leaders agreeing to enhance cooperation in security, trade, and investment. Foreign Minister Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with the United States. He underlined the need for increased collaboration, especially in areas of mutual strategic interest.
Secretary Rubio responded positively, emphasizing that economic and trade cooperation would define the next phase of Pakistan-US relations. He particularly highlighted the potential for investment in critical minerals, signaling a shift toward resource-based strategic cooperation.
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Focus on Counterterrorism
The discussion placed special emphasis on Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts. Dar pointed to Pakistan’s significant gains in counterterrorism between 2013 and 2018. Secretary Rubio praised these efforts and expressed the US government’s willingness to deepen cooperation on security matters. He called for enhanced coordination to combat regional threats and tackle global terrorism more effectively.
This mutual interest in counterterrorism comes at a time when Pakistan faces growing internal security concerns and regional instability, particularly from across the western border.
Addressing Afghanistan and Military Equipment
The evolving situation in Afghanistan also featured in the dialogue. Both sides agreed on the importance of addressing unresolved matters, particularly the abandoned US military equipment following the 2021 troop withdrawal. The presence of these weapons has raised alarm across the region due to the risk of misuse by non-state actors.
Secretary Rubio and Minister Dar agreed on the need to find a resolution and maintain close coordination over developments in Afghanistan, which remains a key point of concern for both countries’ foreign policy agendas.
Trade Amid Tariff Tensions
The call also comes on the heels of newly imposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump, who announced a 10 percent levy on all imported goods, including a staggering 29 percent tariff specifically on Pakistani products. The US, meanwhile, faces a 58 percent duty on its own exports to Pakistan, further complicating trade dynamics.
Despite the strain, both sides appeared open to negotiation. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced plans to send a delegation to Washington in hopes of reframing the tariff crisis as a diplomatic opportunity. “You should never let a good crisis go to waste,” he stated during a press conference.
Ali Hasnain, associate professor of economics at LUMS, stressed the significance of the US-Pakistan trade relationship. He pointed out that nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s exports head to the US, making it the country’s largest trade surplus partner.
A Promising Start
The phone call between Dar and Rubio signals a potentially productive phase in Pakistan-US relations. With key topics like counterterrorism, trade, and regional security now on the table, both nations appear ready to move from tension toward cooperation. The commitment to remain in close contact suggests this dialogue could evolve into tangible progress in the months ahead.
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