A few months since Pakistan-sponsored militants conducted a vicious attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday greeted Islamabad on Independence Day. Celebrating Pakistan's August 14, Rubio said that Washington "deeply appreciates Pakistan's engagement on counterterrorism and trade."
The April 22 Pahalgam massacre was condemned by the world over, and during his May trip to the US, Pakistan's Army Chief faced protests over the attack in a strong voice. Nevertheless, with trade considerations taking center stage—especially after Islamabad indicated a potential concession to allow Washington access to Balochistan—President Donald Trump's government made a friendly overture to Pakistan Army General, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Speaking in his official message, Rubio said: "On behalf of the United States, I offer our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14. The United States also wishes to thank Pakistan for its cooperation on counterterrorism and trade."
The remark was made after the US had designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—the outfit behind the Pahalgam attack—a terrorist outfit.
Rubio also expressed hope for increased cooperation in areas such as critical minerals and hydrocarbons, looking for "a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis." His statement was: "We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis."
Political watchers interpret Rubio's comment as a sign of better Washington-Islamabad relations during Trump's presidency, despite the row over Munir's recent American activities.
Munir's trip, which was intended to boost military and strategic ties, was greeted with violent protests from Pakistani expat members and supporters of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A leaked video of one of the protests saw a demonstrator continue to yell "Geedad" (jackal) at the army chief, a moment that analysts called an embarrassment for Pakistan's military establishment.
Insiders also claim that Trump's interest in Pakistan's mineral and oil riches is part of his larger agenda to decrease Chinese control in the world's rare earth market—materials crucial for sophisticated defense technologies like drone systems. The access to these deposits, according to the US, is critical in terms of diversifying supply chains and reducing dependence on Beijing.
But the probable mineral alliance is met with stiff opposition by Baloch leaders. Anti-establishment activist Mir Recognize Yar Baloch has warned that it would radicalize Pakistan's military and intelligence establishment further and widen Balochistan's isolation. Calling Balochistan "an ancient sovereign nation under illegal occupation," he cited its rich rare earths, oil, gas, and strategic facilities, complaining that its people remain suppressed under "regimes" adverse to secular and peaceful values.
Echoing this anxiety, Baloch American Congress President Tara Chand branded Munir a "fake Field Marshal" and "enemy of humanity." He also demanded dismantling the nuclear weapons of Pakistan, pointing out that its "religiously motivated" leadership might have disastrous designs which can be a threat to world stability.
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