Pakistan Eyes Trade, Not Aid, in Strengthening U.S. Ties: Ishaq Dar
Washington, D.C.:
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has announced that a major trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States is expected very soon. He emphasized that Islamabad seeks trade opportunities—not financial aid—from Washington.
Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council, Dar stated that Pakistan is opening its markets to more U.S. products, aiming for deeper economic cooperation with America.
“We’re not asking for aid. We’re seeking trade. That’s what will ensure sustainable growth and mutual benefits,” Dar asserted.
Positive Diplomatic Engagements
Dar described his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as productive, with both sides reaffirming the importance of bilateral partnerships. He also praised the United States’ role in facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
“The world is changing rapidly. Pakistan is a peace-loving nuclear state,” Dar noted during the event, reinforcing Pakistan’s global outlook and diplomatic posture.
Economic Stabilization Achieved
The deputy prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s recent macroeconomic stabilization, crediting his government for steering the country through serious economic challenges.
“The global economy is under pressure, but inflation in Pakistan is decreasing. Since taking office, we have focused on macroeconomic reforms,” he said.
Despite this progress, Dar acknowledged that terrorism remains a persistent challenge, though Pakistan is actively combating extremism.
Boosting Trade with the United States
Dar emphasized that the United States is already Pakistan’s largest export market, and there is now momentum to further expand this trade relationship.
“We want greater access to U.S. markets, and in return, we’re offering more entry points for American products in Pakistan,” he explained.
According to Dar, a forthcoming bilateral trade agreement will be a major milestone in economic diplomacy.
Regional Stability and Foreign Policy
Dar stressed that Pakistan seeks peaceful solutions to all regional conflicts, highlighting the multidimensional nature of U.S.-Pakistan relations, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism and regional peace.
“A stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s best interest,” he remarked, underscoring Islamabad’s regional vision.
On the issue of Palestine, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that Jerusalem should serve as the capital of a free Palestinian state.
Domestic Politics and Legal Matters
Speaking on domestic issues, Dar criticized political extremism in Pakistan. He referred to the May 9 incidents linked to the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf), warning that “when weapons are picked up, even a moderate like me can’t do much.”
He made it clear that cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan were not initiated by the current government but are now being handled independently by the judiciary.
Dar also addressed the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, noting that she remains imprisoned in the U.S. following decades of legal proceedings.