Rubio, Ishaq Dar Hold Talks in Washington

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Washington, D.C. – United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday, discussing a range of bilateral issues including counterterrorism, trade, and regional stability.

The high-level meeting took place during Ishaq Dar’s official visit to Washington, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. Secretary Rubio publicly thanked Pakistan for its ongoing cooperation in countering terrorism, describing the partnership as vital for preserving stability across the region.

“Grateful for Pakistan’s partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability,” Rubio stated in a social media post following the meeting. He also confirmed that discussions were held on boosting bilateral trade and exploring opportunities in the minerals sector.

This dialogue comes shortly after the U.S. designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, which killed 26 civilians.

While Pakistani officials did not confirm specific details about the TRF designation during the meeting, the topic was understood to be part of the broader counterterrorism conversation.

The Pakistani Foreign Office earlier indicated that relations between Islamabad and New Delhi would be addressed during Dar’s U.S. trip. “Exchange of views will also take place on the Pakistan-India question,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said on Thursday.

Beyond security matters, both nations appeared keen to expand economic cooperation. The U.S. and Pakistan have previously explored mineral trade partnerships, particularly in rare earth elements and sustainable resource development.

Ishaq Dar’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by Pakistan to strengthen international alliances and position itself as a stable partner in South Asia.

Further details about the visit or any potential agreements signed have not yet been released.