Pakistan and US Trade Deal Expected in Coming Weeks, Says Ishaq Dar

Washington:Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed optimism that a trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States will be finalized in the coming weeks.*

Dar made these remarks following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, after which he addressed the Atlantic Council. He emphasized the positive developments in Pakistan-US relations, stating that both sides discussed various aspects of their partnership, including trade, investment, IT, AI, and counterterrorism. The two nations reiterated their commitment to a long-term strategic relationship.

During the meeting, Dar highlighted that the bilateral talks also covered regional and global issues. He praised the United States’ constructive role in the Pakistan-India ceasefire and emphasized the need for dialogue in the Iran-Israel conflict. Dar also expressed Pakistan’s desire for trade rather than aid, noting that Pakistan intends to increase access for American products in its markets and welcomes US investors in sectors such as mining.

On the India-Pakistan tensions, Dar stressed the need to build mutual trust and eliminate the blame game for progress in relations. He pointed out that India had yet to provide any evidence linking Pakistan to the Pulwama attack, accusing India of using terrorism as a means to mislead the global community. He reiterated that the Kashmir issue remains a core dispute between Pakistan and India, with India’s illegal occupation of the region for over seven decades.

Regarding the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Dar recalled that Pakistan had ended its operations on May 10, 2023, to maintain its sovereignty, and responded to India’s readiness for a ceasefire by stating, “We were never prepared to start a war.”

Dar also noted that the United States had promised to mediate peace talks between Pakistan and India in a neutral setting. “We are ready to discuss all issues, including trade, Jammu and Kashmir, and counterterrorism, but we cannot engage in one-sided negotiations,” he added.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region and believes that South Asia can thrive through trade and partnerships, not through hostility.

On the recent US designation of the TRF (The Resistance Front) as a terrorist group, Dar stated that Pakistan has no objections, but he rejected linking it to Lashkar-e-Taiba, clarifying that the latter had been dismantled by Pakistan years ago. “TRF has no connection with Lashkar-e-Taiba,” he said.

Dar also urged the US to shift from transactional relations with Pakistan to strategic and stable ties. He assured that Pakistan’s defense relationships with China would not affect its ties with the US, as it is driven by the best deals available.

Responding to questions on Pakistan’s internal political situation, Dar recalled that PTI founder Imran Khan had frequently met him for support, particularly for hospital donations. He also reflected on the 2014 PTI protests, noting that they had disrupted the economy, but he had made efforts to establish a domestic ceasefire.

Addressing the issue of law and order, Dar remarked that Imran Khan should not have taken an adversarial stance against the state, particularly in light of the violent events of May 9, 2023. “If a popular leader raises arms against the state, the law must take its course. Politics should not be made of such matters.”

On the issue of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s legal situation in the US, Dar said he had no objections if the law was followed, but stressed that attacking Pakistan’s institutions, like those on May 9, should be deemed as treason.

Finally, Dar referred to Pakistan’s internal security challenges, saying that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had done significant work against terrorism. However, the subsequent government’s decision to open the borders led to a resurgence of extremist groups like the TTP. He condemned the decision to release over 100 militants during Imran Khan’s tenure and warned that such moves had enabled the Taliban to re-enter Pakistan.