Islamabad, April 9, 2025: Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US Department of State, has highlighted Pakistan’s untapped mineral potential as a strategic opportunity for both nations, calling the sector a possible “game-changer” for bilateral economic relations.
Speaking during his visit to Islamabad for the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, Meyer led a US delegation aimed at deepening cooperation in critical minerals, expanding economic partnerships, and reinforcing counterterrorism collaboration.
“Critical minerals are the raw materials essential for our most advanced technologies,” Meyer noted. “President Trump has made it clear that securing diverse and reliable sources of these materials is a strategic priority. Pakistan’s vast mineral resources offer significant opportunities for both our countries.”
According to an official statement, the US is committed to supporting sustainable development in Pakistan’s mining sector by sharing technical expertise, encouraging responsible investment, and promoting transparent regulatory frameworks.
Meyer emphasized that a well-regulated and transparent mining industry in Pakistan could unlock substantial economic value and attract long-term foreign investment, benefiting both local communities and international partners.
During his two-day visit, Meyer held meetings with key Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik.
The discussions focused on expanding market access for American businesses, building resilient economic partnerships, and enhancing counterterrorism cooperation.
In addition to official meetings, Meyer also engaged with foreign policy analysts, representatives of US businesses operating in Pakistan, and alumni of US public diplomacy programs. These interactions, he said, reaffirmed the people-to-people ties that remain the foundation of Pakistan–US relations.
The visit reflects Washington’s renewed strategic focus on securing critical supply chains while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in emerging sectors such as energy, minerals, and technology.
