During a recent event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that a trade deal between the United States and Pakistan is nearing completion.
Dar emphasized that the economic relationship between the two nations has “ascended” and is currently being fine-tuned at the Pakistani prime minister’s office.
“We hope to conclude a mutually beneficial trade agreement… hopefully in days, not in weeks,” he stated.
When addressing the anticipated tariff rates, Dar expressed confidence, saying, “as long as we are better than or equal to our peers, we should be fine.”
He also touched on recent trade agreements announced by US President Donald Trump with other countries like Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which feature tariff rates between 15 to 20 percent.
Dar’s remarks followed a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier the same day, where he reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a relationship that is grounded in mutual benefit, rather than dependency.
He stressed the need for a partnership that is strategic and stable, moving away from a purely transactional nature.
The conversation also included discussions about broader geopolitical issues, including the US-China relationship, Pakistan’s cease-fire with India, and Islamabad’s approach to diplomacy with Afghanistan.
When it comes to foreign policy, Dar highlighted that while the US is a “long-standing friend” of Pakistan, China holds the status of a “strategic partner.”
“Our foreign policy is not a zero-sum game,” he stated, wishing for friendly relations between the US and China and expressing a desire to avoid being drawn into bloc politics.
Dar asserted that Pakistan’s growing engagement with China, including military hardware purchases, should not alter the US’s perspective on its relationship with Pakistan.
He emphasized the principle that it is ultimately a matter of who offers the best deal.
Furthermore, he suggested that Pakistan could act as a “bridge” facilitating better relations between the US and China, arguing that such collaboration could positively impact global poverty levels.
“Conflict, on the other hand, would prove disastrous for the entire world,” Dar noted.
On the topic of regional peace, Dar described US-Pakistan cooperation as “on the rise,” partly due to American involvement in achieving a cease-fire between India and Pakistan after tensions erupted in May following violence in the Kashmir region.
He characterized the US as a credible arbiter of peace and stability in South Asia.
“We are committed to sustaining [the cease-fire],” he added, highlighting the need for a structured peace framework in the region rather than relying on luck.
He stated, “What we need is a sustainable architecture of peace in South Asia—an architecture in which the United States… can play a constructive and stabilizing role” through military coordination and dialogue.
Moving forward, Dar remarked that both Pakistan and India should commit to dialogue that encompasses not just Kashmir but also broader counterterrorism efforts and trade.
He also asserted that the Kashmiri people should have the right to decide their future.
Addressing questions about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been indicted for inciting violence, Dar maintained that no political leader’s popularity grants them a license to instigate violence.
In light of recent tensions, he stressed that the actions of leaders must not undermine the country’s stability or integrity.
Additionally, the conversation shifted towards Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan.
Dar reported that Pakistan has plans to send an ambassador to Afghanistan and is collaborating with Kabul on projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway.
While Pakistan hasn’t yet recognized the Taliban government, these initiatives were taken for the benefit of the Afghan people.
He also indicated that beyond these projects, Pakistan intends to continue pressing the Taliban to meet their antiterror commitments.
“That is the only ask,” Dar clarified, advocating for collective global action against terrorism.
He concluded by stating that it is crucial for nations to work together in combating terrorism effectively.
image source from：atlanticcouncil
