Pakistan isn’t done ‘thanking’ Donald Trump yet. Behind Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s trip to US

Two months after the India-Pakistan conflict and subsequent ceasefire, Pakistan continues its mission to appease US President Donald Trump. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is reportedly heading to Washington to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, weeks after he signed papers nominating US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prizefor his “extraordinary role in restoring calm in South Asia.”

While the state has not made clear its agenda, diplomatic sources rushed to cite that one of the objectives was to thank “Trump for de-escalating tensions”, according to local media reports.

Pakistan, which saw Indian attack decimate its terror locations, has been showering praises on Trump for his alleged intervention, despite India stating the decision to ceasefire was taken by the officials of India and Pakistan.

This will be Dar’s first official meeting with Secretary Rubio and also the first visit of a Pakistani civilian leader to the US after the new administration took charge.  Earlier, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir met Donald Trump, days before the US launched the military campaign against Pakistan's neighbour, Iran.

Though the real agenda behind the meeting scheduled for Friday is unclear, Pakistani diplomatic sources rushed to pin the agenda on India. Besides thanking Trump for his intervention, Dar could also raise the “standoff with India”, the Kashmir issue, and broader bilateral matters, according to Geo News.

Trump has expressed willingness to mediate in the Kashmir issue, but India rejected the offer.

Trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the US may also come up during the talks,  diplomatic sources told Geo News.

Pakistan is holding on to Trump’s newfound interest in the country, as evidenced by Trump hosting the head of Pakistan’s Army, Asim Munir, without the presence of any civilian officials. According to Pakistan, the duo discussed the continuation of a counter-terrorism collaboration and talked about ways to further strengthen ties. India registered a protest with the US against the meeting.

 

 

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