Ishaq Dar expresses Pakistan’s desire for trade, not aid

WASHINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said Pakistan seeks a broad-based economic relationship with the United States built on trade and investment, not aid, as he addressed the Atlantic Council during his official visit to Washington.

Dar, who also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described the meeting as “productive” and said both sides emphasised the need to strengthen mutual partnership across economic and strategic domains.

“Pakistan wants effective access to American markets. We want trade, not aid,” Dar said, adding that Islamabad is working toward finalising a trade agreement with the US “within a few months.”

Ishaq Dar reaches Washington, set to meet US counterpart today

The deputy premier said the United States is Pakistan’s largest export destination and that the country is the second-largest buyer of American cotton. “We are also working to increase access for American products in Pakistan and welcome US investors, especially in the mining sector,” he added.

‘Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state’

During his remarks at the think tank, Dar positioned Pakistan as a responsible nuclear power committed to peace and stability, both regionally and globally.

“The world is changing rapidly, and the global economy is under pressure. Pakistan has successfully achieved macroeconomic stability and reduced inflation despite challenges,” he claimed.

Dar acknowledged terrorism remains a challenge but said Pakistan is actively fighting militancy and remains committed to peaceful conflict resolution. “Pakistan does not want to be part of any geopolitical bloc or political alliance,” he said.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack, Dar said India had unilaterally blamed Pakistan, heightening tensions in the region. “The crisis de-escalated thanks to the role played by the United States and friendly countries,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s response to India was in self-defense.

Dar credited the United States, specifically President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio, for playing a key role in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Gaza and China–US mediation

Turning to the Middle East, Dar termed the situation in Gaza “extremely serious” and reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding stance that Jerusalem must be the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

He also offered Pakistan’s diplomatic support to mediate between Washington and Beijing. “Pakistan is ready to act as a bridge between China and the United States,” he said, while adding that a stable Afghanistan remains in Pakistan’s core interest.

Domestic politics and Aafia Siddiqui

On the political front, Dar distanced the current government from the legal cases involving the PTI founder. “All cases are being pursued in civilian courts and have no connection to the government,” he said.

He also commented on the May 9 riots, saying the law would take its course. “Being a popular political leader doesn’t mean taking the law into one’s own hands. When arms are raised, even a reconciliatory person like me is left helpless,” he remarked.

Addressing longstanding concerns over Dr Aafia Siddiqui, Dar said she has been imprisoned in the US for decades under American law, a case that continues to resonate in Pakistan.