US-Pakistan trade agreement expected soon, Says Deputy PM Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan expects to finalize a trade agreement with the United States soon and seeks access to American markets instead of financial aid.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council, a prominent US think tank, Dar described his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as “extremely productive.” He emphasized that both countries discussed counterterrorism cooperation, mutual partnership, and investment opportunities—particularly in Pakistan’s mining sector.

“Pakistan welcomes American investors in mining,” Dar stated. He also pointed out that the US remains the largest buyer of Pakistani cotton, underlining the significance of trade ties.

On global issues, Dar strongly advocated for peace in Gaza and Kashmir. “A two-state solution is the only path to peace,” he stressed. “There must be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has turned Gaza into a graveyard—why don’t international laws apply to it?”

He confirmed that both the Palestinian and Kashmiri issues were discussed during his US visit. He acknowledged the role the US played in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, saying, “Peace in South Asia is not just vital for us, but for the world.”

Dar also asserted that Pakistan can act as a bridge between the US and China. “We’ve done it before—we can do it again,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s historic role in facilitating US-China diplomacy.

On the domestic front, when asked about PTI’s May 9 riots, Dar said, “Being popular doesn’t give anyone the right to attack state institutions.” He reiterated that the judiciary in Pakistan is functioning independently and that the doors of justice are open to all.

Dar concluded by noting that macroeconomic stability has returned to Pakistan and the economy is now headed in the right direction, despite global challenges like climate change.