Pak-US delegation met to deepen cooperation on Pakistan’s mineral sector
US Critical Minerals Forum President Robert Louis Strayer and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met Pakistan’s Finance & Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad to deepen cooperation in Pakistan’s growing minerals and mining sector.
The stated goal is to build a secure, transparent supply chain for critical minerals and attract responsible, sustainable investment.
Key agenda items for the discussion
Both sides discussed:
- Exploration and development of Pakistan’s mineral resources.
- Supply chain security for US and global industries.
- Standards for responsible mining, environmental care and indigenous community benefits.
- De-risking investment through better rules, technology transfer, and IP protection.
Pakistan’s reform track
Minister Aurangzeb said Pakistan is on a steadier economic path, driven by:
- Fiscal discipline and “fundamental fiscal hygiene” to keep capital stable.
- Structural reforms in the power sector.
- Tax administration changes and broadening the tax base.
- A new Tax Policy Unit in the Finance Ministry to separate policy from administration.
- Moving 24 state-owned enterprises to the Privatisation Commission for better service and tighter finances.
He added that stronger governance is improving investor sentiment and drawing positive signals from rating agencies.
Why critical minerals matter for Pakistan
The minister called minerals a transformational opportunity. A clear minerals policy framework can help Pakistan:
- Shift from consumption-led cycles to export-led growth.
- Ease balance of payments pressures.
- Reduce reliance on multilateral support over time.
US reaffirmed support for technology transfer
Strayer explained the Forum, funded by the US government, supports secure and transparent mineral supply chains in emerging markets, focusing on rare and niche metals such as copper and antimony.
He reaffirmed support for technology transfer, IP protection and building US private-sector confidence.
The US team also praised Pakistan’s STEM talent and said the Embassy backs US commercial engagement in the sector.
Pakistan invited the Forum to submit a structured collaboration framework
The Finance Minister said the government is working on legal and regulatory updates and will assess proposals to facilitate responsible investment and ensure mutual benefit.
Aurangzeb noted Pakistan’s constructive international ties, renewed momentum with the US, time-tested relations with China, and strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia create a strong backdrop for critical minerals development.
Pakistan and the US reaffirmed their commitment to work together on critical minerals, pairing Pakistan’s reform agenda with US technical and investor support.
