Washington, February 20, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, with the two sides holding wide-ranging discussions on cooperation in critical minerals, energy, counter-terrorism, and prospects for increased American investment in Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the US State Department.
The State Department said Rubio thanked Pakistan for supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and for joining the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace as a founding member. He also conveyed condolences over the January 31 attacks in Balochistan and the February 6 bombing in Islamabad, while reaffirming the importance of continued Pakistan-US cooperation in counter-terrorism.
Talks also covered Pakistan’s participation in the recent Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, with the United States welcoming Islamabad’s engagement. Both sides discussed collaboration in developing Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources, as well as expanding commercial opportunities for American companies.
Separately, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department (PID), 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 on implementing the Gaza peace plan.
The PID statement said both sides underscored the importance of Pakistan-US strategic relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral ties under President Trump’s leadership. The two leaders also agreed to enhance bilateral trade, economic activity, and mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
During the meeting, the prime minister emphasised the need for sustained high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States to advance shared objectives in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Rubio reiterated his appreciation for Pakistan’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan and for joining the Board of Peace, saying the meeting highlighted the importance of the strategic relationship, particularly in critical minerals development and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar responded to Rubio’s post, thanking him and noting that Pakistan valued its longstanding relationship with the United States. Dar said the two sides held “meaningful discussions” on advancing peace, counter-terrorism cooperation, and expanding bilateral economic and trade ties. “We look forward to further strengthening our strategic partnership in all areas of shared interest,” he added.
Shehbaz calls for end to Gaza ceasefire violations
Earlier, addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace—formally established last month after being proposed in September 2025—Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need to end ceasefire violations in Gaza, calling it essential for achieving durable peace.
“The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. To achieve long-lasting peace, it is very important that ceasefire violations must end to preserve life and advance reconstruction efforts,” he said, adding that Palestinians must exercise full control over their land and future in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Praising President Trump’s role, the prime minister said his efforts would help achieve lasting peace in Gaza and described it as a defining legacy. Under the board’s charter, the US government serves as its depository, while the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace has been designated as its headquarters.
A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November last year authorised the board, along with cooperating states, to help establish an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following the October ceasefire under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas. The truce, however, has remained fragile.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also credited Trump with defusing the four-day Pakistan-India crisis in May 2025, saying his intervention had potentially averted massive loss of life and describing him as “a man of peace.”
Speaking before the Pakistani leader, President Trump recalled his contacts with Islamabad and New Delhi during the crisis, warning both sides that the United States would halt trade negotiations and impose steep tariffs if hostilities continued. He said the threat of economic consequences helped bring about de-escalation.
Trump also referred to his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz and Asim Munir, praising the Pakistani leader for publicly acknowledging his role in stopping the conflict. The prime minister, in turn, lauded Trump’s “bold diplomacy” and “dynamic leadership” in resolving international crises.
The Washington engagements underscored Pakistan’s efforts to expand economic cooperation with the United States—particularly in the energy and minerals sectors—while aligning with a US-led diplomatic initiative on Gaza and highlighting Trump’s mediation role in South Asia.
