Call from the US

On Monday, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had his first telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The call was an important step in recalibrating the sometimes-tense bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US. According to the Pakistan Foreign Office, Dar and Rubio discussed several key issues, including regional security, economic cooperation and the pressing topic of trade relations. But beneath the surface of cordial diplomatic conversations lies the complexity of a relationship shaped by history, evolving strategic interests and geopolitical realities. Dar and Rubio discussed the ongoing problem of reciprocal tariffs, particularly the 29 per cent tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Pakistani imports. In the context of rising global trade tensions, finding a resolution to these tariffs could pave the way for greater economic collaboration. Rubio also expressed interest in expanding commercial opportunities for US companies and touched upon the prospects of engagement on critical minerals. As the world shifts towards cleaner technologies and the demand for such minerals surges, it’s clear that both nations have a stake in these resources, especially as the US seeks to secure supply chains outside of China.

The conversation wasn’t all about trade. Another significant topic that arose was the military equipment left behind

in Afghanistan after the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021. According to the US Department of Defense, approximately $7 billion worth of military equipment was left in the hands of the Afghan Taliban as US forces pulled out. This equipment was quickly seized by the Taliban, and reports suggest that some of it has been used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in cross-border terrorist activities. Pakistan has long raised concerns about the Afghan Taliban's support for the TTP, which has launched frequent and deadly attacks against Pakistani security forces. The fact that US equipment may have been used in these attacks only adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Dar and Rubio agreed on the need to resolve this issue, but there’s little indication of how tangible progress can be made, especially given the Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to take action against the TTP.

The call between Dar and Rubio has come in the wake of positive recognition from US President Donald Trump, who thanked Pakistan for its assistance in capturing the individual responsible for the killing of 13 US service members during the Afghan withdrawal. However, this gesture, though significant, should be viewed with cautious optimism. Foreign relations experts suggest that this phone call is a step toward improving ties, but they also point out the unpredictability of the Trump Administration. The US’s stance on Pakistan is often shaped by its broader geopolitical interests, particularly with respect to China and Iran. In this context, there is concern that the US may ask Pakistan to take sides in its relationship with both China and Iran -- two countries with which Pakistan has strong ties. Such a request could put Pakistan in a precarious position. As experts warn, Pakistan must tread carefully, being diplomatic and calculating in its approach to avoid a fallout with the US, particularly when regional security issues like terrorism remain a shared concern. It’s clear that Pakistan’s position in the global geopolitical landscape is shifting, and the country finds itself at a crossroads where it must manage competing interests. While the US remains an important partner in the fight against terrorism, its stance on China and other regional issues could prove challenging for Pakistan. We will have to see if this latest conversation marks the beginning of a sustained engagement between Pakistan and the US, or if it is merely another chapter in a diplomatic relationship characterised by more questions than answers.