U.S. Critical Minerals Forum Explores Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Mining Sector

Pakistan’s mineral and mining sector is set for a potential boost as the President of the U.S. Critical Minerals Forum, Mr. Robert Louis Strayer II, met with Federal Finance Minister and senior officials in Islamabad to discuss avenues for cooperation and investment. Accompanied by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Natalie Baker, Mr. Strayer led a delegation that engaged with the Ministry of Finance on strengthening supply-chain security and encouraging responsible, sustainable investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals landscape. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and relevant departments. Finance Minister welcomed the U.S. delegation, highlighting Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals and ongoing governance reforms. He emphasized that the government’s priority is to create a stable investment environment, underpinned by fiscal discipline and sound policy frameworks. “A strong minerals policy framework will help Pakistan break the cycle of periodic balance-of-payments pressures and reduce future reliance on multilateral support,” the Minister said. The Finance Minister outlined a series of deep-rooted structural reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated Tax Policy Unit, power sector restructuring, and the referral of 24 state-owned enterprises to the Privatisation Commission. He also underscored Pakistan’s strengthened geopolitical and economic partnerships, noting renewed momentum in ties with the U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia. Mr. Strayer explained that the U.S. Critical Minerals Forum, funded by the U.S. government, works globally to support secure and transparent mineral supply chains, with a focus on rare and niche metals such as copper and antimony. He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to supporting technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and U.S. private-sector investor confidence in emerging markets like Pakistan. The U.S. delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s strong talent pool in science, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized the country’s potential to become a future hub for critical mineral development. The Chargé d’Affaires emphasized the importance of investor confidence and enabling regulatory frameworks to attract U.S. commercial engagement in the sector. Finance Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to legal and regulatory reforms and invited the Critical Minerals Forum to submit a detailed framework for collaboration. “Pakistan will evaluate it with a view to facilitating responsible investment and ensuring mutual benefit,” he said. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to continued engagement and collaboration in the minerals sector, in line with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared goals for sustainable development.