By: Ahmed Jawad
Pakistan and the United States are scheduled to hold important trade and economic talks this week in Washington. A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, will meet with US officials to address key issues including trade imbalances, tariff revisions, and sectoral cooperation.
One of the primary concerns is the trade asymmetry between the two countries. Pakistani exports currently face a 29% duty in the US, imposed in response to Pakistan’s 58% tariff on American products. The delegation aims to negotiate these tariff structures and chart a long-term plan to protect and grow Pakistan’s trade interests. Discussions will also cover collaboration in sectors such as energy and information technology, with an eye on potential investment and economic growth.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Washington by June 29. He will hold talks with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on regional security, post-conflict diplomacy, and broader strategic cooperation.
Meanwhile, the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced protests in Washington on June 14. The party, led by its Secretary for Overseas Affairs Sajjad Burki, plans to rally outside the Pakistan embassy against any deals made by the current government.
