US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has agreed to work on resolving the issue of American military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the 2021 withdrawal, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement came during a phone call between Secretary Rubio and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, regional security, and economic cooperation.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the US, highlighting the need for increased collaboration in trade, investment, and counter-terrorism. In response, Secretary Rubio underscored economic cooperation — particularly in critical minerals — as a key area of future engagement.
Rubio also thanked Pakistan for arresting and transferring ISIS-K operative Mohammad Sharifullah to US custody, according to US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The two sides further discussed reciprocal tariffs, immigration, and law enforcement collaboration.
Additionally, both leaders expressed their willingness to work together on global issues during Pakistan’s current term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
