FO Says Pakistan and US Have Made Significant Progress

Pakistan and the United States have made significant progress in negotiations on a proposed reciprocal trade agreement, the Foreign Office (FO) said following two days of talks held in Washington, D.C. on July 9–10.

 

According to the FO, the discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides addressing key issues and moving closer to finalizing the agreement. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, who described the negotiations as positive and welcomed the progress achieved.

 

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Washington as Pakistan and the US continued efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation amid ongoing regional diplomatic developments.

 

Naqvi’s visit followed his participation in the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York, where he took part in discussions on global security, law enforcement collaboration, and transnational crime.

 

The visit comes as diplomatic engagement continues amid tensions involving the US and Iran. US officials have said contacts with Iran remain active despite regional uncertainty, emphasizing negotiations while maintaining military readiness. They also dismissed reports of new US strikes on Iranian targets.

 

During his stay in New York, Naqvi met Bangladesh’s Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation in tackling cybercrime, online fraud, police training, and other cross border security issues. The two ministers also discussed the Middle East situation, with Bangladesh appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to support regional peace.

 

Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have played an important role in promoting regional stability.