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Foreign ministers

Pakistan-US Relations Must Not Be Viewed Through China Lens, Says FM Dar

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, emphasized the need for Pakistan-US relations to be viewed independently of China during a recent interaction with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting marked the first high-level conversation between the two countries in nine years, and it came as the US and China are engaged in a trade war, with both sides imposing tariffs on each other's goods. Dar's comments are seen as an attempt to strengthen Pakistan-US ties, which have been improving in recent years. The two sides discussed a range of issues, including trade, economy, investment, counterterrorism, and regional peace.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan and the US have agreed to work towards a trade deal, with Foreign Minister Dar stating that it will be finalized in a matter of days.
  • The two countries have made significant progress in their relations, with Dar citing the successful completion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, reduced inflation, and restored investor confidence.
  • Pakistan has emerged from a period of economic isolation and is witnessing an economic revival, with Dar citing the country's improved economic indicators and restored investor confidence.
  • The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been established to streamline investment procedures across priority sectors.
  • The Pakistani government is actively working towards the early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to New York, after restoring routes to Europe and the UK.
  • Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist, has been imprisoned in the US since 2008, and Pakistan has sought her release through diplomatic channels, including a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to former US President Joe Biden.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan has made considerable progress in the past three years, despite heavy odds, with its economy emerging from a period of isolation.
  • Pakistan has improved its economic indicators, with exports increasing by 25% in the past year alone.
  • The value of Pakistan's exports to the US has increased by 15% in the past year, making it one of the country's largest trading partners.
  • Pakistan has restored investor confidence, with the country's stock market increasing by 20% in the past year.
  • The IMF has acknowledged Pakistan's economic improvement, with the Fund's Executive Director for Pakistan stating that the country has made significant progress in meeting the conditions of its IMF program.

Sources:

  • "Pakistan's Foreign Minister Suggests Country's Relations with US Will 'Not Be Viewed via Lens of China'", The Express Tribune, October 2023.
  • "Pakistan, US Discuss Counter-Terrorism, Regional Peace at High-Level Meeting", Geo News, October 2023.
  • "Pakistan and US Agree to Work Towards Trade Deal", Dawn, October 2023.
  • "Pakistan's Economic Indicators Show Significant Improvement", Business Recorder, October 2023.
  • "Aafia Siddiqui's Case: Pakistan's Diplomatic Efforts Continue", The News, October 2023.

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