Pakistan, US vow to tackle leftover arms in Afghanistan in bid to revive ties

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar agreed Monday to work together to resolve the issue of U.S. military equipment left behind in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal.

The understanding came during a telephone call between the two officials, marking a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral ties under the Trump administration.

In a statement issued by Pakistan’s foreign ministry, both sides discussed regional security, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation. Dar emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to shared concerns, including legacy issues like the abandoned U.S. military hardware.

Rubio acknowledged the concern and agreed on the importance of addressing the issue, which has remained a flashpoint since the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The two leaders also expressed a strong commitment to expanding trade and investment.

Dar emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and counterterrorism, reaffirming Pakistan’s interest in building a durable partnership with the United States.

Rubio responded positively, noting that economic cooperation, particularly in the area of critical minerals, would be key to future relations.

Rubio agreed that cooperation in economy and trade will be the hallmark of future relations between the two countries.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in its war against terrorism from 2013 to 2018, which, he said, resulted in significant human and financial losses. Rubio appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and reiterated Washington’s interest in deepening counterterrorism collaboration.

The conversation concluded with both sides agreeing to remain in close contact and work together on shared priorities.

The call precedes a visit by Eric Meyer, the U.S. State Department’s Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs. Meyer is leading an interagency delegation to Islamabad from April 8 to 10 for the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.

According to the State Department, Meyer’s meetings will cover both economic opportunities and counterterrorism cooperation.

This marks the first high-level U.S. visit to Pakistan since President Donald Trump began his new term.

Ties between Islamabad and Washington have been tested in recent months. In March, U.S. lawmakers introduced the Pakistan Democracy Act, proposing sanctions on Pakistani officials accused of human rights abuses.

Pakistan's Foreign Office dismissed the move as “unilateral” and not reflective of the broader bilateral relationship.

Last month, Dar also held a phone call with U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, during which both sides agreed to enhance counterterrorism cooperation.

That conversation came shortly after President Trump publicly thanked Pakistan for aiding in the arrest of a suspect tied to the deaths of 13 U.S. troops during the Afghanistan withdrawal.