US lauds Pakistan’s counterterrorism role amid thaw in ties

State Department says Secretary Rubio has appreciated Islamabad’s role in mediating conversations with Iran: Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue to be held next month: Ishaq Dar says Islamabad, Washington close to finalizing minerals deal: No one should interfere in Imran Khan’s case as due process followed

Published: 09:04 AM, 26 Jul, 2025
Pak India War
US lauds Pakistan’s counterterrorism role amid thaw in ties
Caption: US Secretary of State Marco Rubioi shaking hands with Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar at White House.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability during a meeting with visiting Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

“The two also discussed prospects for deepening bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, including countering ISIS-K, and the upcoming US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad this August,” State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a readout of the first face-to-face meeting between the two top diplomats.

“The Secretary underscored the importance of expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade and exploring prospects for enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors,” it added.

In a post on X, DPM/FM Dar described the meeting as “a comprehensive discussion on the full spectrum of bilateral relations,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a long-term partnership with the US. He said the talks included a renewed focus on economic, trade, investment, IT/AI, and counterterrorism cooperation.

Dar also noted that they exchanged views on key regional and global developments and expressed appreciation for what he called the US’ “constructive role” in facilitating the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire, following a four-day standoff between Islamabad and New Delhi in May, which followed an attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir in April.

Islamabad, Washington close to finalizing minerals deal

Later, in a conversation with NBC News’ Dan De Luce at the Atlantic Council, Ishaq Dar outlined Islamabad’s regional outlook and addressed pathways for managing Pakistan-India tensions.

“For peace in South Asia, we need continued US involvement,” he said, calling for an “open-eyed” policy that “understands the risk of disengagement.”

Dar highlighted the need for “a sustainable mechanism for conflict resolution” in the region, adding that there could be no peace unless India agrees to hold dialogue on all issues, including Kashmir.

He also revealed the US and Pakistan were close to concluding a deal for extracting minerals from Pakistan and an agreement could be finalised in “weeks and days, not months.”

Responding to a question about former prime minister Imran Khan’s incarceration, Ishaq Dar drew a parallel with the case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has spent years in a US prison. 

The foreign minister noted that Pakistan did not interfere in that process because “the Americans had followed their judicial system”.

Similarly, he said, Mr Khan was sentenced by Pakistan’s judiciary, which followed the due process of law. “When the due process is followed, others do not have the right to interfere,” he said.

When asked if Pakistan would continue to buy weapons from China, Dar said the country would go for whoever offered a better deal.

Pakistan, US vow to promote bilateral ties

Pakistan and the United States have reiterated their commitment to work together to promote bilateral relations and build strong and coordinated relations in diverse sectors.

The resolve was expressed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday.

The two sides exchanged views on promotion of bilateral trade and economic ties and cooperation in important sectors including investment, agriculture, technology, and minerals. The discussion also focused on counter-terrorism and regional peace.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the efforts of President Donald Trump and the US leadership regarding the promotion of global peace. He said the role and efforts of the US President in recent Pakistan-India standoff are commendable.

He said Pakistan is desirous to further expanding and strengthening of Pak-US bilateral relations. He said we are hopeful for positive headway in the ongoing trade dialogue between the two countries.

Ishaq Dar said there is unanimity in the stance and interests of both the countries regarding regional peace. He said Pakistani diaspora in the United States is playing a role of bridge between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan is an attractive destination for the US business community and investors.

On his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the matchless sacrifices of Pakistan in war against terror and said that Pakistan always played a positive role regarding the establishment of global and regional peace.

This is the first one-on-one meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the United States. Earlier, the two leaders had telephonic contacts.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh was also present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined the need for a sustainable architecture of peace in South Asia.

Talking about ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025, he said the US emerged as the credible arbiter of peace and stability in South Asia.

He said Pakistan's relationship with the United States was enduring, wide ranging and evolving.

Categories : Pak India War Tags :

News Desk