Date of Creation: July 27 2025 WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar insisted today that any improvement between Islamabad and Washington shouldn’t be seen through the lens of its longstanding relations with China. His remarks came following a high-level meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio – marking first interaction between foreign ministers from both countries since 2009 Geo News Daily Times Dar described the meeting between Leaders as being very cordial, noting that Pakistan-US relations had entered a new stage of cooperation and engagement. A renewed dialogue took place among discussions of trade, investment, counterterrorism and regional security; special focus was given to cooperation in critical minerals production and immigration policies as well as joint efforts against terrorism. YouTube. Also available from Daily Times + The Express Tribune as a PDF version for additional reading. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions in South Asia peace efforts, such as its role in brokering an U.S.-mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan — something it credits partially to Washington under Donald Trump and Rubio, according to The Express Tribune, Arab News, Reuters or any other outlet. Dar explained that Pakistan-US Relations vs China Relations — A Deliberate Distinction Dar noted that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has attempted to achieve strong bilateral relations with both Washington and Beijing while maintaining equitable ties between both. In making his point clear, Dar indicated that Islamabad wants its economic and strategic ties with Beijing not be confused with bilateral ties between Washington and Islamabad, an argument which Dar made clear through multiple examples from both Geo News, Arab News and Daily Times sources. Pakistan issued this message amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions and discussion in media and policymaking circles worldwide. Pakistan underlined its desire for independent ties with both powers without pitting one against the other; see: Reuters/Geo News +15 and Daily Times (both +15). Dar also announced at an Economic Prospects & Trade Momentum event in New York and later at the Atlantic Council in Washington that bilateral negotiations are in advanced stages, with an announcement likely happening “within days, not weeks”. He spoke at public events held by Daily Times and The Express Tribune before sharing this news. He noted that both sides are working through designated committees and virtual teams to negotiate the terms. Pakistani officials often provide optimistic timelines, while U.S. officials (such as Rubio) remain silent regarding any firm schedule for negotiations. Fox Business/Reuters Strategic & Regional Significance This new engagement marks a change after years of diplomatic ambiguity between Islamabad and Washington. Rubio recognized Pakistan’s strategic role in regional peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts as well as Islamabad being an indispensable partner to global stability, per Arab News, State Department, The Express Tribune. Pakistan pledged its commitment to address security threats posed by Afghanistan and Kashmir while expanding economic ties with Washington across areas including IT, investment and minerals (Arab News). Summary Pakistan-US relations should not be seen through the lens of Islamabad’s alliance with China, according to Foreign Secretary Ishaq Dar. He further asserted Islamabad’s intention of independently cultivating relationships with both powers. For more on this story please follow: Geo News + Daily Times. Dar and Rubio met for the first time in nine years to discuss trade, counterterrorism, regional diplomacy and Pakistan’s peace role in South Asia (X (formerly Twitter), Daily Times +8 and Arab News =+8. Pakistan claims it may reach a trade deal with the U.S. within days, though Washington has yet to commit to an exact timeline, per Reuters and Fox Business (English.Alarabiya.Net/Reuters and Fox Business respectively). Pakistan stresses that diplomatic ties between itself and the U.S. should not be eclipsed by geopolitical considerations concerning China’s relationship. (Geo News | Arab News) Pakistan is seeking to revitalize its relationship with the U.S. by emphasizing a bilateral reset that favors balance, clarity, and autonomy–especially given shifting global power dynamics.
