ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first official phone call on Monday, focusing on bilateral relations, regional security, and economic cooperation. A key issue discussed was the military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
In a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, it was confirmed that the two top diplomats exchanged views on a range of topics, including trade, counter-terrorism, and the evolving security situation in the region.
The U.S. State Department also released a statement highlighting the conversation. “They (Rubio and Dar) discussed U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship,” the statement said. Rubio also emphasized potential collaboration on critical minerals and expressed a desire to expand commercial opportunities for American businesses.
Pakistan continues to grapple with a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly against law enforcement and security forces, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), January 2025 saw a 42% rise in terrorist incidents compared to December 2024.
A 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Defense revealed that roughly $7 billion worth of military equipment was left in Afghanistan and subsequently seized by the Taliban. Despite U.S. efforts to destroy or disable much of the gear during the final days of its chaotic withdrawal, large quantities remained intact and fell into Taliban hands. The Taliban has since refused to return the equipment and instead called on the U.S. to supply more advanced weaponry to combat Daesh.
During the call, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and counter-terrorism. Rubio welcomed the sentiment and noted that economic and trade collaboration—especially in sectors like critical minerals—would be central to future U.S.-Pakistan relations.
Dar also underscored Pakistan’s track record in combating terrorism between 2013 and 2018, during which the country faced significant human and economic costs. Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and expressed Washington’s continued interest in enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation.
