Pakistan, US agree to enhance bilateral trade, economic ties and counterterrorism cooperation

• PM Shehbaz meets US Secretary Rubio as talks cover critical minerals, energy cooperation and counter-terrorism

• Us Secretary of State thanks Pakistan for supporting Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan and joining ‘Board of Peace’ as founding member

• Reiterates importance of continued counter-terrorism collaboration, extending condolences over Jan 31 attacks in Balochistan and Feb 6 bombing in Islamabad

• PM reaffirms readiness to work with Board of Peace for Gaza reconstruction, lauds Trump’s mediation in Gaza and South Asia crises

• Leaders underscore Pakistan-US strategic ties, expressing satisfaction over ‘momentum and positive trajectory’ of partnership

• Shehbaz also meets in Washington with global leaders who had arrived to attend inaugural session of the Board of Peace

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, with discussions focused on critical minerals, energy cooperation, counter-terrorism, and avenues for increased American investment, according to a US State Department statement.

Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and… pic.twitter.com/vMSl6i4bvz

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 19, 2026

The State Department said Secretary Rubio thanked Pakistan for supporting Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for joining the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” as a founding member. He also extended condolences over the Jan 31 attacks in Balochistan and the Feb 6 bombing in Islamabad, reiterating the importance of continued counter-terrorism collaboration.

Thank you @SecRubio.
Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with the United States and appreciates the meaningful discussions we had today on advancing peace, cooperation in fighting against terrorism, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. We look forward to… https://t.co/xjp2FqmBJZ

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 20, 2026

The talks highlighted Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, with the US welcoming Islamabad’s engagement and exploring cooperation in developing Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources, along with commercial opportunities for American companies.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Meets the U.S. Secretary of State H.E. Marco Rubio in Washington

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the sidelines of the Board of Peace Leaders’ meeting in Washington. The Prime… pic.twitter.com/460kaZ9xL6

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026

Separately, according to a Press Information Department (PID) statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Rubio and President Trump on the “successful” inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to “work with the Board of Peace for implementation of the Gaza peace plan.”

The statement added that both leaders underscored the importance of Pakistan-US strategic relations and expressed satisfaction over the “momentum and positive trajectory of the partnership under President Trump.” They also agreed to expand bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism collaboration.

Washington: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of Board of Peace. pic.twitter.com/DHJLVuoq5H

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026

During the meeting, the premier emphasized the importance of continued high-level engagement between Pakistan and the US to advance shared goals in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Meanwhile, Rubio reiterated his appreciation for Pakistan’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan in a post on X, noting that discussions had also focused on critical minerals development and counter-terrorism. Responding, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar thanked Rubio, stressing Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with the United States and noting that both diplomats had held “meaningful discussions” on peace, counter-terrorism, and bilateral economic ties.

PM Shehbaz stresses need for end to Gaza ceasefire violations

Earlier, addressing the inaugural Board of Peace meeting — formally established last month following a September 2025 proposal — Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the urgency of ending ceasefire violations in Gaza, calling it “very important” for durable peace.

“The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. To achieve lasting peace, it is essential that ceasefire violations end to protect lives and advance reconstruction efforts,” he said. He added that Palestinians must exercise full control over their land and future in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

Praising President Trump’s role, the premier said his “untiring support and great efforts” would enable long-lasting peace in Gaza, describing it as part of Trump’s enduring legacy.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President Trump after the conclusion of the Inaugural meeting of Board of Peace. pic.twitter.com/onp3f2PUW5

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 19, 2026

Under its charter, the US government serves as the board’s depository, with the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace designated as headquarters.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November 2025 authorised the board and cooperating states to help establish an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following the October ceasefire under the Trump-backed plan. The truce, however, remains fragile with repeated violations.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends the Inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. pic.twitter.com/aH4y75NN2W

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 19, 2026

PM lauds Trump’s mediation in South Asia

Prime Minister Shehbaz also credited Trump with defusing the four-day Pakistan-India crisis in May 2025, saying his intervention had “potentially averted the loss of tens of millions of people” and describing him as “a man of peace” and “a saviour of South Asia.”

Trump, speaking at the meeting, recalled his contacts with Islamabad and New Delhi during the conflict, warning both countries that the US would halt trade negotiations and could impose 200 percent tariffs if hostilities continued. He said this economic leverage helped de-escalate tensions, adding that he met Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, praising Pakistan for publicly acknowledging his mediation.

The premier, in turn, lauded Trump’s “bold diplomacy” and “dynamic leadership” in resolving international crises and stabilising global hotspots.

Pakistan pursues economic, energy, and mineral cooperation

The Washington engagements highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to expand economic cooperation with the US, particularly in energy and critical minerals, while aligning with US-led initiatives on Gaza and recognising Trump’s mediation role in South Asia.

PM’s engagements with meets global leaders

Premier Shehbaz also held informal meetings in Washington with global leaders who had arrived to attend the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The premier met with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto.

The statement added that “important regional and global issues” were discussed during the meeting.

Prime Minister @CMShehbaz held informal and cordial interactions with several world leaders in #Washington, where he is attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace@PakPMO @ForeignOfficePk @PakinUSA #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/HXBvUew1ER pic.twitter.com/epH3C1ePFx

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 20, 2026

“Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace reflects its efforts toward establishing peace in Gaza, reconstruction initiatives, global peace, and the growing success of Pakistan’s diplomatic policy,” said the statement.

Engagement with US development agencies

Separately, Premier Shehbaz also held a meeting with International Development Finance Corporation Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black on Friday, state-run APP reported.

Washington: CEO of United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Mr. Benjamin Black called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/9hfxs6tovZ

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026

An APP post on social media platform X said PM Shehbaz praised the corporation’s portfolio of over $1 billion and pointed to the synergies between the economic priorities of Pakistan and the US, which “present mutually beneficial opportunities to enhance B2B engagement”.

For his part, Black briefed the prime minister on the agency’s strategic initiatives, priorities and project pipeline in Pakistan, and showed interest in enhancing DFC’s footprint in Pakistan, the post said.