WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD — July 26, 2025:
In a significant development marking a revival of bilateral relations, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a formal meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington — the first in-person engagement between the two nations’ top diplomats in over three years.
The talks, held at the State Department, come after a series of telephonic discussions and reflect growing momentum in a relationship long marked by strategic divergence and mistrust. The visit is widely viewed as part of a renewed diplomatic push to reset Pakistan-US relations on a stable and expanded footing.
Backdrop of Renewed Cooperation
Relations between Islamabad and Washington began improving under President Donald Trump’s second term, following a period of near-complete disengagement during President Joe Biden’s administration. A key turning point came when Pakistan helped arrest and extradite a mastermind of the August 2021 Kabul Airport attack — a move that drew praise from President Trump in his address to Congress.
Trump’s active diplomatic role in defusing the India-Pakistan military standoff in May 2025 further brought the two countries closer. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Dar had coordinated efforts that led to the ceasefire, which helped avert a potential nuclear crisis. Both sides acknowledged this achievement during Friday’s meeting.
In another unprecedented gesture, Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the White House during the height of the Iran-Israel conflict — a move that surprised many in New Delhi and underscored the growing strategic engagement.
Key Outcomes of the Dar-Rubio Meeting
The face-to-face dialogue covered a wide range of issues, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a long-term partnership.
Bilateral Relations & Economic Cooperation:
- Emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, technology, and critical minerals.
- A major mineral extraction deal between the two countries is reportedly close to being finalized in “weeks and days, not months.”
- Dar described Pakistan as an “attractive destination for American investors” and expressed optimism about progress in the ongoing Pakistan-US Trade Dialogue.
Regional Security & Counterterrorism:
- Discussions included the current security environment, counterterrorism cooperation, and peace efforts in South Asia.
- Dar credited the US with playing a constructive role in brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire, while Secretary Rubio commended Pakistan’s “unparalleled sacrifices” in fighting terrorism.
- Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
Multilateral Engagement & Shared Interests:
- The two leaders discussed cooperation at global forums, including the UN Security Council.
- Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a stable, structured bilateral relationship, noting a “strong convergence of views” on multiple fronts.
- He also appreciated the role of the Pakistani-American community as a “bridge” between the two nations.
Statements by Both Leaders
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Secretary Rubio wrote:
“Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan’s partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability.”
Dar, in his own post, said:
“We reaffirmed our commitment to the long-term Pakistan-US partnership, with renewed focus on economic, trade, investment, IT/AI, and CT [counterterrorism] cooperation.”
Public Remarks & Broader Regional Vision
Speaking at the Atlantic Council later in the day, Dar called for sustained US involvement in South Asia, warning of the risks of disengagement. He reiterated that there can be no durable peace without India engaging in dialogue, especially over Kashmir.
On domestic matters, Dar responded to criticism regarding the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, drawing parallels with the US case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. He stated both cases followed due judicial process and emphasized non-interference in legal matters.
Dar also clarified Pakistan’s defense policy, stating that arms purchases — whether from China or elsewhere — will be based solely on economic and strategic merit.
New US Envoy in Islamabad
In a related development, the US appointed Elizabeth Horst as the acting ambassador to Pakistan. A senior diplomat who began her career in Islamabad two decades ago, Horst emphasized cultural diplomacy and ongoing people-to-people ties during her arrival.
“It’s a joy to be back. I visited the Lahore Fort, where US support is helping preserve this historic site — a symbol of our long-term partnership,” she posted.
Though temporary, her appointment is seen as symbolic of Washington’s renewed focus on South Asia and commitment to maintaining high-level engagement with Pakistan.
Conclusion
The Dar-Rubio meeting represents a turning point in Pakistan-US relations, with both countries expressing clear intent to deepen ties across economic, security, and diplomatic domains. Against a backdrop of global and regional turbulence, Islamabad and Washington appear poised to rebuild trust and redefine their strategic partnership for the years ahead.
