A high-level US delegation, led by Senior Bureau Officer for South and Central Asia Affairs Eric Meyer, met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday to explore potential collaborations in Pakistan’s mineral sector. The meeting, part of ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding the Minerals Investment Forum 2025, focused on the vast economic opportunities presented by Pakistan’s untapped mineral resources.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the US delegation expressed strong interest in working with Pakistan to develop its mineral wealth. They praised Pakistan’s strategy of attracting foreign investment in the sector, recognizing it as a key factor in unlocking the country’s economic potential.
“We are committed to partnering with Pakistan to help realize the full economic potential of its mineral reserves,” Eric Meyer said during the meeting. He emphasized that Pakistan’s push to tap into its mineral wealth would significantly contribute to economic growth.
The ISPR also noted that the discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on global developments and regional security concerns, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
This meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is making concerted efforts to attract foreign investment, particularly in mining and minerals. The ongoing Minerals Investment Forum 2025 serves as an essential platform for international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in the country’s rich mineral sector.
PM Shehbaz Chairs Meeting on US Tariff Hike
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to address the newly imposed US trade tariffs, which have raised concerns about their impact on Pakistan’s exports. The meeting, held in Islamabad, saw the Prime Minister instructing the formation of a special delegation to engage directly with American officials in Washington.
Emphasizing the long-standing economic ties between Pakistan and the US, Prime Minister Sharif described the bilateral trade relationship as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign economic policy. “Our government is committed to strengthening this vital partnership and ensuring that it continues to thrive in a mutually beneficial manner,” he said.
The special delegation, consisting of senior government officials, prominent business leaders, and key exporters, is expected to travel to Washington in the coming days to negotiate a framework that supports Pakistan’s export interests while addressing concerns raised by the US’s revised tariff structure.
“This is a crucial moment for Pakistan’s trade relations with the US. We are determined to ensure that our exporters have the support they need to thrive in this changing landscape,” said a senior official involved in the delegation’s planning.
The delegation will also address the broader economic implications of the tariff hike and explore ways to build a long-term, strategic trade partnership between the two countries. Officials noted that discussions with the US government are ongoing through the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, with the aim of easing tensions and ensuring the continued flow of trade.
Earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had announced that Pakistan was preparing to send a high-level delegation to Washington to reinforce its commitment to a sustained partnership with the United States. “We are finalizing our recommendations, and with the Prime Minister’s approval, the delegation will travel to Washington soon,” he said.
