Dar to Meet U.S. Secretary Rubio for Crucial Talks on Trade, India, and Iran

New York/Islamabad:-(Mudassar Iqbal/Web desk)- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday for high-level talks covering trade, regional security, and diplomatic issues.

The Foreign Office says the agenda includes Pakistan-India ties, the Iran nuclear deal, and Afghanistan. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that trade talks are already underway and tomorrow’s meeting is expected to push them forward.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan-India affairs and the Iran nuclear program will also come under discussion. He stressed that “the solution to issues between Pakistan and India is only possible through diplomacy and dialogue”, reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace.

However, he warned that any “misadventure by India would be met with a befitting response,” adding that Pakistan has full confidence in its defense capabilities.

On the issue of Iran, Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan continues to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and stands by its longstanding position. He also confirmed that a visit by the Iranian president is in the works, and the long-stalled gas pipeline project is expected to be part of the agenda.

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Addressing regional security, the Foreign Office spokesperson acknowledged that terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan remain a serious concern for Pakistan, but noted that relations with Kabul have seen “significant improvement” since Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Afghanistan in April.

He highlighted that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent trip to Kabul was also instrumental in enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly on cross-border security. The Afghan interim foreign minister is expected to visit Pakistan soon, with the final date being finalized.

Khan emphasized that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with regional and global partners through peaceful dialogue, saying, “We are committed to diplomacy, not confrontation.”

He also thanked friendly countries that are playing a role in easing tensions between Pakistan and India, calling their support crucial to maintaining peace in the region.