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Sources suggest Pakistan and US are likely to sign an agreement soon. covering security and strategic partnerships, a counterterrorism alliance, and rare earth minerals.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (left), US President Donald Trump (centre) and Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir at a meeting.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir held a 90-minute meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office on Thursday. The talks, which top Pakistan government sources described as “highly significant and security-focused,” also included US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to these sources, the meeting signals the beginning of “a new era of Pakistan-US strategic partnership and economic cooperation.”
Top Pakistan government sources disclosed that the Oval Office discussions stretched beyond security, covering economic engagement, counterterrorism, and investment opportunities. The United States, they said, has expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s rare earth minerals, potential in crypto mining, and prospects for oil exploration. Sources noted that Washington and Islamabad mutually agreed to move forward with a broader cooperation framework that combines security, economics, and strategic partnership.
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According to these officials, the meeting had an unusual start. The Pakistani delegation arrived on time but had to wait briefly in the Oval Office before President Trump joined them. Still, sources insisted the atmosphere remained pleasant, with the interaction later described as warm and constructive. “The relationship between Washington and Islamabad is gradually warming up,” one senior source emphasised.
Sources suggest that the two countries are likely to sign a comprehensive agreement soon. The deal, they indicated, would cover security and strategic partnerships, a counterterrorism alliance, and investments in rare earth mineral extraction and oil exploration. Sources added that this understanding marks the most ambitious effort in years to expand the US-Pakistan relationship on both security and economic fronts.
Top sources also revealed that the Pakistani leadership raised key concerns during the Oval Office discussions. Issues included rising terrorism originating from Afghanistan, unrest in Balochistan, and the situation in Kashmir. According to these sources, President Trump assured Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir of “full US support and cooperation” to address terrorism threats emerging from Afghan soil.
Another major outcome, sources said, was the decision to establish a “Joint Counter-Terrorism Command” in Pakistan. This move, they noted, is intended to institutionalise US-Pakistan counterterrorism collaboration. Discussions also touched on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the expanding influence of China in the region, and strategic questions linked to the Bagram Airbase.
On the military front, top Pakistan government sources confirmed that Field Marshal Munir requested the restoration of US-Pakistan military training and exchange programs, which were scaled down during the Biden administration. President Trump, according to these accounts, responded positively and is considering reinstating them. Sources added that Trump also showed willingness to restore the Coalition Support Fund to Pakistan, though on conditional terms.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz formally invited President Trump to visit Pakistan. Top officials said Trump welcomed the gesture, while Secretary of State Rubio is already planning a visit to Pakistan later this year, likely in October or November.
According to top Pakistan government sources, President Trump also welcomed the Pakistan-Saudi mutual defence agreement and urged Islamabad’s leadership to continue playing a constructive role in promoting peace across the Middle East and South Asia.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
September 26, 2025, 11:09 IST
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