In a landmark diplomatic and economic move, Pakistan has officially offered a zero-tariff bilateral trade agreement to the United States, aiming to deepen strategic ties and bolster trade across multiple sectors.
A senior government source confirmed the proposal, stating:
“Pakistan is offering to enter into a bilateral agreement with zero tariffs on selected tariff lines, with mutual interests, to expan.d bilateral trade across agriculture, technology, textiles, and manufacturing.”
This major offer comes on the heels of a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump between Pakistan and India—ending the most dangerous military standoff between the two nuclear powers in nearly three decades.
The conflict was triggered by India’s airstrikes on alleged “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan denied involvement and accused India of targeting civilians.
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In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, hitting several Indian military targets in what officials called a “proportionate and precise” response to India’s aggression across the Line of Control (LoC).
The ceasefire, mediated by the US, brought a swift end to the escalating conflict and opened the door to renewed diplomatic and trade negotiations.
Zero-Tariff Trade Offers From Both Pakistan and India
In a related development, India has also offered the US a “no-tariff” trade deal covering up to 60% of tariff lines, while seeking preferential access for nearly 90% of US imports.
During a meeting in Doha, Trump commented:
“India is offering us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariffs.”
However, Trump also criticized Apple’s manufacturing shift to India, expressing dissatisfaction over its expanding operations there, despite India’s push to become a global smartphone manufacturing hub.
