Pakistan has urged the United States to start a high-level economic dialogue immediately.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh emphasized shifting ties from geopolitics to geoeconomics. He called 2026 a “year of action” for tangible economic cooperation.

Ambassador Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s low-cost, high-quality manufacturing, citing textiles, surgical instruments, and sports goods for strong US export potential.

He stressed institutionalised cooperation in energy, defence, IT, minerals, and artificial intelligence. He also referenced Sialkot footballs used in five consecutive FIFA World Cups as an example of industrial capacity.

US officials expressed interest in closer engagement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the relationship as having untapped potential, while affirming that stronger ties with Pakistan would not harm relations with India.

President Donald Trump noted trade and energy tensions with New Delhi but praised efforts to de-escalate South Asian tensions after May 2025.

Discussions also focused on regional security. Ambassador Sheikh warned that terrorism from Afghanistan increased in 2024 and 2025, with militants exploiting leftover US weapons.

He described India’s May 2025 actions as “irresponsible and aggressive,” lowering escalation thresholds between nuclear-armed neighbours. He emphasized that Kashmir’s unresolved status remains central to lasting regional stability.

Both sides agreed to institutionalise regular dialogue on economic and security issues. Sheikh invited US lawmakers to visit Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary and people-to-people ties.

He described a stable, standalone Pak-US partnership as vital for regional and global peace and security.