ISLAMABAD, April 7, 2025 – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held his first telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, focusing on regional security, economic cooperation, and the unresolved issue of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal in 2021.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Dar and Rubio discussed a range of topics, including the ongoing challenges posed by terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The country has seen a sharp rise in terror-related incidents since the Taliban’s return to power, with a 42% increase in attacks reported in January 2025 compared to the previous month.
A major point of discussion was the $7 billion worth of military equipment left behind by US forces in Afghanistan, which was seized by the Taliban. The US had attempted to destroy or dismantle much of the equipment during the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021, but a large amount still fell into Taliban hands. The Taliban has reportedly refused to return any of the equipment and has requested more advanced weapons to fight Daesh.
During the call, Foreign Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, emphasizing the need to boost cooperation in trade, investment, and counter-terrorism efforts. Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s past efforts in combating terrorism between 2013 and 2018, which had caused significant economic and human losses for the country.
Secretary Rubio expressed the US’s desire to enhance collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in critical minerals and trade. He emphasized that future relations would be shaped by strong economic and trade cooperation.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact and work together to advance mutual interests. This call comes just days after US President Donald Trump imposed a significant 29% tariff on Pakistani imports, effective from April 9, 2025, a move that has raised concerns in Pakistan’s export sector.
The discussions also set the stage for further cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism, with both sides expressing a shared interest in strengthening counter-terrorism measures.
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