Washington D.C / Islamabad — July 25 2025 Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held high-stakes discussions today at the State Department in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their inaugural face-to-face encounter since he took office earlier this year. These talks marked renewed diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Washington amid complex regional tensions as both parties seek ways to deepen bilateral cooperation through greater bilateral cooperation. Geo News/The Express Tribune.
Strategic Agenda for Vice-Ministerial Discussions The vice-ministerial talks agenda was expansive, covering everything from trade and investment to regional stability. Pakistani officials stressed the desire to strengthen economic ties, with trade talks expected to centre around tariff structures and investment facilitation facilitation; Washington may offer tariff relief as part of a broad economic reset plan, according to reports in Geo News Business Recorder.
At The Atlantic Council, Dar is scheduled to present Pakistan’s views on regional dynamics–particularly those related to South Asia and the Middle East–alongside its vision for future Pakistan-US relations. His U.S. tour also includes Radio Pakistan (213) SUCH TV (19) and The News (20).
Pakistan-India Tensions and U.S. Mediation Role This meeting follows recent tensions between Pakistan and India, such as conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has publicly acknowledged U.S. mediation efforts–particularly those led by former President Trump–for helping restore calm and broker a ceasefire; particularly his overtures on Kashmir and water-sharing issues which remain central to dialogue (Geo News + Anadolu Ajansi).
Dar’s discussions with Rubio may revisit India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and explore steps to manage future tensions through diplomatic channels.
Facebook: +15 on Geo News.
Trade and Economic Cooperation–Key Points
A primary goal of Dar’s interactions is addressing a 29% reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. in response to Pakistani demand on Liberation Day for increased imports of American cotton and soybeans as part of a potential tariff waiver deal; Pakistan has offered increasing its cotton imports from America as an exchange for any concessions on tariff rates; at present the US remains Pakistan’s top export destination, accounting for about 3 billion of its annual trade surplus of about $3 billion by 2024 according to The News + Business Recorder + Geo News + Business Recorder + Geo News + Geo News +2
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that a delegation from Pakistan is set to meet with U.S. trade officials as part of efforts to reach an agreement on trade. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb already met with US trade and commerce officials in Washington. SUCH TV +5 | Geo News +5 | The News, plus several others will also hold discussions during their trip.
Analysts note the visit marked an unprecedented renewal of Pakistan-U.S. relations after years of limited engagement under previous U.S. administrations. Increased logistics coordination — such as President Donald Trump inviting Field Marshal Asim Munir to the White House — highlights strengthened ties amid shared counterterrorism and economic interests. mes Dunya News +3; Geo News +3 and Business Recorder All are providing coverage.
Expectations and Forward Look
Dar is visiting Washington during Pakistan’s month-long presidency of the UN Security Council for July; an important month with events related to Middle Eastern peace efforts as well as peaceful resolution mechanisms being put forward internationally. Dar has already advocated for UN-OIC cooperation while renewing calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to Dawn News and Dunya News reports.
As Rubio meets with Pakistani officials today, this could serve as a barometer for deeper U.S.-Pakistan engagement, with their discussions likely having lasting ramifications for diplomacy, trade, and regional strategy ties – especially as Islamabad seeks to raise its profile at global institutions such as the UN Human Rights Council. Geo News In Summary.
First official meeting between Pakistan’s foreign minister and US Secretary of State Rubio. Radio Pakistan/Geo News’ coverage can be found here and is updated accordingly.
Business Recorder The News
Diplomatic renewal aimed at managing tensions and strengthening bilateral ties was at the core of bilateral economic talks between Pakistan and India, according to Business Recorder (+1) and SUCH TV (+1).
Dar has made significant strides towards global engagement through his UNSC presidency and engagements at The Atlantic Council, in turn aligning with his UN General Assembly Presidency. (App +7 @ Dawn (SUCH TV).)
+7 on +7
