Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that a delegation from Pakistan is scheduled to visit Washington next week for discussions aimed at expanding bilateral trade, a move that has stirred interest in diplomatic and economic circles.
While speaking at a private Republican fundraiser in Florida, Trump briefly addressed upcoming foreign engagements. “Pakistani representatives will be here next week. We’re looking at stronger trade. That’s what they want, and honestly, that’s what we should be doing too,” he said, according to attendees.
Though no official confirmation was released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office immediately after Trump’s remarks, sources familiar with the matter indicated that a high-level team from Islamabad is indeed preparing for the visit. The group is expected to include senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Affairs, along with a few business delegates.
According to sources, the purpose is to explore new trading options, while also attempting to gain some flexibility on the tariff levels that the last U.S. administration imposed on products imported from Pakistan . . . There will probably also be discussion on digital trade, textiles and agriculture, which both countries think have potential growth.
“A high-ranking member of the Pakistani government, who wished to not be identified because of the nature of the trip, explained: ‘We are focused on practical engagement, and if the trip is carried out, it could open new doors in an often security-dominated China-Pakistan-U.S. relationship,'”.
The U.S. remains one of Pakistan’s top export markets, particularly for textiles and garments. But trade ties have often been eclipsed by the countries’ complex strategic history, including military cooperation, regional tensions, and divergent views on Afghanistan.
Political analysts in Washington are watching closely, particularly given Trump’s interest in shaping his foreign policy credentials ahead of the Republican National Convention. “Trump may be out of office, but his words still influence global conversations,” said Michael Kramer, a fellow at the Wilson Center. “This statement puts Pakistan on the radar again, at least in economic terms.”
Trade experts caution that any breakthrough would depend on follow-up by the Biden administration, which currently holds the reins of official foreign policy. But they also agree that such high-profile gestures from Trump could shape the tone of future bilateral dealings, especially if he secures his party’s nomination.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, the news has stirred muted optimism. “Let’s wait to see if it happens, and how serious both sides are about business,” said a retired diplomat who previously served in Washington. “But after a long stretch of security-focused ties, the fact that we’re being discussed in trade terms is a positive shift.”
Whether this visit marks the beginning of a deeper commercial engagement or simply a symbolic gesture ahead of U.S. election season remains to be seen. But for now, officials on both sides appear willing to talk—and that alone is being welcomed as a step forward.
