Pakistan says it's close to U.S. trade deal, Washington gives no timeline

Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan and the United States are 'very close' to finalising a trade agreement, suggesting the deal could be reached within days. However, U.S. officials made no mention of a specific timeline following Dar’s meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Dar noted that bilateral discussions had progressed significantly, with both sides holding in-person and virtual meetings. “A committee appointed by the prime minister is now working to fine-tune the agreement,” he said, adding that its conclusion is expected in a matter of days, not weeks or months.

Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has pursued the revision of multiple trade deals, often citing unfair practices and threatening tariffs—claims that many economists contest.

Following the Dar-Rubio meeting, both the U.S. State Department and Pakistan’s foreign ministry released statements highlighting the importance of deepening trade ties, particularly in the areas of critical minerals and mining. However, neither statement provided a timeline for finalising the deal. Rubio’s social media post after the meeting also avoided mentioning any deadlines.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry also acknowledged what it described as the significant role played by Trump and Rubio in helping to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India, referring to their efforts in facilitating a ceasefire. The U.S. State Department’s statement, however, made no reference to India.

Trump has repeatedly credited himself for brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which he announced on social media on May 10 after U.S.-led talks with both sides. India has rejected this version of events, maintaining that it does not accept foreign mediation and that any issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally.

The ceasefire followed a deadly April 22 militant attack in India-administered Kashmir, which left 26 dead and triggered intense cross-border clashes. On May 7, India carried out strikes on Pakistani territory, prompting retaliatory attacks and a three-day escalation before the ceasefire was declared.

India blamed the April attack on Pakistan, which denied any involvement and called for an impartial international investigation. While Washington condemned the violence, it did not publicly assign blame to Islamabad.

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