Pakistan and US Nearing Trade Agreement

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Friday that Pakistan and the United States are on the verge of finalizing a trade agreement, potentially within days. However, following Dar’s meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. officials did not confirm any specific timeframe.

During a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, Dar noted, “I believe we are extremely close to completing a deal with the U.S. Our teams have been in Washington, engaging in discussions, holding virtual meetings, and the Prime Minister has assigned a committee to finalize the details.”

He added, “I anticipate this happening in a matter of days, not weeks or months.”

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. sought to revise trade agreements with numerous nations, threatening tariffs due to what he deemed inequitable trade practices. Many economists have challenged Trump’s assessment.

Following Rubio’s discussion with Dar, both the U.S. State Department and Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued separate statements, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trade relations and cooperation in essential minerals and mining. Neither Rubio’s post on X nor the State Department’s statement mentioned a timeline for finalizing a trade agreement.

The Pakistani foreign ministry also mentioned Dar’s acknowledgment of Trump and Rubio’s important contribution to easing tensions between Pakistan and India through facilitating a ceasefire. The State Department’s statement did not reference India.

According to reports, Pakistani officials are scheduled to meet with the Trump administration to discuss reciprocal tariffs.

Trump has frequently claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, which he announced on social media on May 10 after discussions between Washington and both nations. India challenges Trump’s assertions that the ceasefire was a direct result of his involvement and trade threats.

India maintains its stance that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their issues directly, without external intervention.