Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone conversation that focused on strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing current regional developments, according to an official statement.
The two officials discussed a broad range of issues, including political, economic, and strategic cooperation, as well as shared regional and global concerns. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact and deepen collaboration on areas of mutual interest.
The conversation marks another step forward in what has become a period of intensified engagement between Islamabad and Washington.
Just last month, US President Donald Trump welcomed Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for a private lunch at the White House.
During that unprecedented meeting, the two sides discussed escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict, and efforts to prevent a full-blown war between Pakistan and India.
Trump thanked the army chief for Pakistan’s restraint and cooperation in de-escalating hostilities.
The visit came in the aftermath of a brief but intense military confrontation between India and Pakistan that began after a deadly April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants, an accusation Islamabad firmly denied.
In response to Indian military operations beginning on the night of May 6, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, citing the need to protect civilians.
On May 10, Pakistan deployed its Al-Fatah missile system, striking multiple Indian military targets. The crisis was brought to a halt following President Trump’s direct intervention, resulting in an immediate ceasefire between the two countries.
In the weeks that followed, Pakistan and the US unveiled a landmark trade agreement focused on reducing tariffs and enhancing economic cooperation.
President Trump also announced a strategic partnership aimed at exploring and developing Pakistan’s oil reserves, noting that an American company would soon be selected to lead the project.
In a lighter remark on social media, Trump joked that one day Pakistan might even export oil to India.
Foreign Minister Dar and Secretary Rubio had also met in person at the State Department in Washington last month, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and senior officials from both governments.
That meeting covered sectors ranging from trade and investment to technology, agriculture, and mineral development.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to a stable, mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and underscored Pakistan’s vast investment potential.
On security matters, both sides discussed counterterrorism and regional stability.
Dar acknowledged the role of the Trump administration in easing recent tensions, while Rubio recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism and its ongoing contribution to peace and stability in South Asia.
