In a significant diplomatic development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held their first official telephonic conversation on Monday. The high-level exchange, confirmed by both Islamabad’s Foreign Office and the US State Department, marks the first direct contact between the two top diplomats since President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20.
One of the key agenda items was the resolution of issues related to American weapons left behind in Afghanistan after the US military’s withdrawal in August 2021. Both leaders agreed to work jointly toward addressing this matter.
During the call, Foreign Minister Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with the United States, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and counterterrorism. He also emphasized Pakistan’s sacrifices and successes in the war against terrorism between 2013 and 2018, highlighting the heavy economic and human toll the country endured.
Secretary Rubio acknowledged these efforts and expressed the US government’s keen interest in advancing counterterrorism collaboration. He also underlined the importance of economic engagement, especially in critical minerals and commercial ventures, stating that future relations would be defined by mutual economic growth and trade opportunities.
The US side also appreciated Pakistan’s support in the arrest and transfer of ISIS-K operative Mohammad Sharifullah, reinforcing the value of continued cooperation in law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
Rubio addressed issues related to illegal immigration and reciprocal tariffs, signaling a desire for a balanced and fair trade relationship. Both parties agreed on pursuing dialogue to overcome trade barriers and promote investment on both sides.
