Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, in what officials are calling a high-level meeting with a "very extensive agenda".
According to the Foreign Office, the talks will cover a broad spectrum of bilateral and regional issues, including trade, Pakistan-India relations, the Iran nuclear issue, and security concerns in Afghanistan.
Pakistan, US moving toward major trade agreement
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed during the weekly briefing that comprehensive talks on a trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States are already underway, and tomorrow's meeting is expected to accelerate progress.
India-Pakistan tensions, Iran nuclear issue on the table
The spokesperson said that Pakistan-India affairs and the Iran nuclear program will also come under discussion. He stressed that "the solution to issues between Pakistan and India is only possible through diplomacy and dialogue", reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace.
However, he warned that any "misadventure by India would be met with a befitting response," adding that Pakistan has full confidence in its defense capabilities.
On the issue of Iran, Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan continues to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and stands by its longstanding position. He also confirmed that a visit by the Iranian president is in the works, and the long-stalled gas pipeline project is expected to be part of the agenda.
Afghan ties improving after high-level visits
Addressing regional security, the Foreign Office spokesperson acknowledged that terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan remain a serious concern for Pakistan, but noted that relations with Kabul have seen "significant improvement" since Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Afghanistan in April.
He highlighted that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent trip to Kabul was also instrumental in enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly on cross-border security. The Afghan interim foreign minister is expected to visit Pakistan soon, with the final date being finalized.
Pakistan’s call for diplomacy
Khan emphasized that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with regional and global partners through peaceful dialogue, saying, “We are committed to diplomacy, not confrontation.”
He also thanked friendly countries that are playing a role in easing tensions between Pakistan and India, calling their support crucial to maintaining peace in the region.
