Islamabad, Sep 18 (Agency) Pakistan and the US have held fresh discussions on ways to strengthen cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism, media reports said. A statement issued by the US embassy in Islamabad, on the meetings of the visiting US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, said discussions were held on Monday “approaches to expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, and the importance of fostering regional stability and prosperity. “Bass is joined on the trip by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst, according to Dawn.Pakistan has recently pushed for further collaboration with the United States in the areas of economy and security, since these are the two most serious concerns confronting the country right now, which the administration hopes to address through external help.Pakistan is eager to gain cooperation to handle the threat of terrorism, notably that presented by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
However, it is significantly reliant on the United States for IMF financing. Pakistan has recently contacted the US again owing to delays in the approval of the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility, which had been languishing for months.Last week, the IMF finally included Pakistan on the agenda for its board meeting on September 25. Another topic under consideration is the migration of Afghan refugees to the United States via Pakistan. Washington is typically dissatisfied with Pakistan’s participation on this issue, which began with the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. However, in a delicately worded statement, the US embassy stated: “Under Secretary Bass expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways to the US. “Bass highlighted the United States’ desire to work closely with Pakistan during its impending stay as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2025–26.According to the FO, the US delegation’s meeting with Dar included discussions of Pakistan-US relations and existing collaborative initiatives.During the debate, the foreign minister emphasised the significance of constructive and fruitful interaction between Pakistan and the United States.