Islamabad: Pakistan and the United States have expressed commitment to continue engagement and collaboration in the minerals sector, aligned with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared objectives for sustainable development. The commitment was expressed during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and President of the US Critical Minerals Forum, Robert Louis Strayer-II in Islamabad today. The US Charg© d’Affaires Natalie Baker was also present during the meeting.

According to Radio Pakistan, both sides discussed avenues of cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, strengthening supply-chain security, and encouraging responsible and sustainable investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals landscape. Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan’s mineral and mining sector represents a transformational opportunity, offering a pathway to shift from consumption-driven cycles to export-led growth.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted that a robust minerals policy framework will aid Pakistan in breaking the cycle of periodic balance-of-payments pressures and reducing future reliance on multilateral support. In response to queries, the Finance Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to important legal and regulatory reforms and welcomed structured proposals from the Critical Minerals Forum.

President of the US Critical Minerals Forum, Robert Louis Strayer-II, reiterated the Forum’s commitment to support technology transfer, IP protection, and US private-sector investor confidence. The US delegation recognized Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a future hub for critical mineral development.