In a key development marking a US-Pakistan diplomatic reset, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday. The high-level face-to-face meeting, the first between the two leaders, signals a warming of ties after years of strained relations between Islamabad and Washington.
First Official Meeting in Years
Held at the State Department, the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, regional peace, and counterterrorism cooperation. Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting international peace. In response, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to expand its partnership with the United States across multiple sectors.
“We wish to broaden and deepen our relationship with the United States across the political, economic and security domains,” Dar said. “Pakistan remains a credible partner for peace, progress, and prosperity in the region and beyond.”
Diplomatic Thaw Since Afghanistan Pullout
Ties between the two countries had cooled following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Diverging security priorities during and after the Afghan conflict led to mistrust. However, signs of a thaw have emerged in recent months through renewed diplomatic and military engagement.
Earlier this week, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce hinted at an upcoming bilateral meeting. That prediction materialized with Dar’s visit and his detailed discussions with Rubio, which now appear to form part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and cooperation.
Trade, Technology, and Investment on the Table
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two sides explored cooperation opportunities in areas such as agriculture, minerals, emerging technologies, and energy. The Pakistani deputy premier highlighted his country’s potential as an investment hub.
“We are optimistic about progress in the ongoing trade dialogue,” Dar stated. “There is alignment between our regional peace objectives and strategic interests.”
Dar described Pakistan as an attractive destination for American investors and praised the Pakistani-American diaspora for contributing to bilateral ties. He emphasized sectors like mining, artificial intelligence, and digital finance as future areas of collaboration.
Read: Pakistan Urges Social Media Firms to Block Terrorist Accounts
Shared Focus on Security and Counterterrorism
Security concerns also featured prominently. Rubio praised Pakistan’s consistent efforts in advancing regional peace and counterterrorism.
“Pakistan has consistently played a constructive role in advancing peace both regionally and internationally,” he said, according to a post-meeting statement.
The conversation reflected a shared understanding that long-term security cooperation is critical not just for regional stability, but also for shaping broader strategic dynamics across South Asia and the Middle East.
Trump’s Role in De-escalation Efforts
Dar took the opportunity to thank President Donald Trump for helping broker the May ceasefire between India and Pakistan. That truce followed a tense four-day military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Trump had hosted Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for a rare lunch at the White House shortly after the ceasefire took effect.
The US-mediated resolution helped prevent further escalation and set the stage for improved communication channels between Islamabad and Washington.
Pakistan Eyes Long-Term Investment
Dar’s visit builds on recent economic dialogues between the two nations. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb visited Washington earlier this month and met with key US trade officials. He said both sides were now working to transition from a trade-centric relationship to one based on sustained investment.
High-level talks identified priority areas including cryptocurrency regulation, AI technologies, and sustainable mineral extraction. These discussions align with Pakistan’s current efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign direct investment.
Busy US Visit and UN Engagements
Dar is currently on an eight-day official trip to the United States. Before arriving in Washington, he chaired several high-profile meetings at the United Nations in New York under Pakistan’s rotating presidency of the UN Security Council.
During those sessions, Dar emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation and peaceful dispute resolution. He also used the platform to voice Pakistan’s concerns on regional conflicts and called for a renewed commitment to global peace initiatives.
Renewed Optimism
The meeting between Dar and Rubio signals a renewed willingness from both nations to move past prior mistrust and forge a pragmatic partnership. Whether in trade, technology, or diplomacy, both sides now appear open to deeper engagement. As relations warm, observers hope this renewed dialogue brings long-term benefits for both Pakistan and the United States.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates
