US Secretary of State Rubio Greets Pakistan on Independence Day, Highlights Counterterrorism and Trade Ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan, praising its cooperation on counterterrorism and trade.

“On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14,” Rubio said in a statement. He noted Washington’s interest in expanding economic cooperation, particularly in critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering business partnerships to “promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis.”

Pakistan marks its Independence Day on August 14, commemorating its 1947 founding as a separate state for Muslims after the partition of British India.

The message comes days after the US designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as foreign terrorist organisations, also placing the Majeed Brigade on its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. Pakistan has long sought international action against the BLA, which operates in resource-rich Balochistan province, a stronghold for several banned groups.

The designation follows Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s visit to Washington and recent US commitments to invest in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors. Both countries also recently held a counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad, where the US commended Pakistan’s efforts in combating militancy.