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 as part of an ongoing diplomatic engagement focused on Pakistan’s mineral wealth.

The meeting, which took place in the backdrop of the ongoing Minerals Investment Forum 2025, saw discussions centered around the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in the mineral sector.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the US delegation expressed confidence in Pakistan’s efforts to develop its untapped mineral resources, recognizing the country’s strategy of attracting foreign investment in the sector.

The delegation conveyed a strong interest in collaborating with Pakistan on mineral development and stated that the US administration was eager to support Pakistan’s efforts in realizing the economic potential of its vast mineral reserves.

“Pakistan’s policy to unlock its mineral wealth is a significant step towards boosting economic growth, and we are committed to partnering with Pakistan to ensure its success,” Meyer was quoted as saying.

The ISPR further highlighted that the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on global developments and Pakistan’s regional security needs, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

This development comes amid broader efforts by Pakistan to attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as mining and minerals. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, which is set to conclude later this week, serves as a key platform for international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s 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 recently imposed US trade tariffs, which have raised concerns over their impact on Pakistan’s exports. The meeting, held in Islamabad, saw the Prime Minister directing the formation of a special delegation tasked with engaging in direct negotiations with American officials in Washington.

The Prime Minister emphasized the long-standing economic ties between Pakistan and the United States, describing 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,” Sharif said during the meeting.

The special delegation, which will include senior government officials, prominent businessmen, and key exporters, is expected to travel to Washington in the coming days. Their primary objective will be to negotiate a fair framework that supports Pakistan’s export interests while addressing concerns raised by the US through its 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 seek to address the broader implications of the tariff hike on Pakistan’s economy 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 to present Pakistan’s position and ensure a fair and sustainable trade relationship," he said.