Both sides agree to promote investment in the mining, minerals and energy sectors
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pomeroy, US Ambassador Natalie Baker, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry meet in Islamabad on February 12, 2026. PHOTO: HANDOUT
Pakistan and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and promote investment in mining, minerals and energy sectors, according to an official statement issued by the federal government on Thursday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry, and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pomeroy. US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker was also present on the occasion.
U.S. Deputy Secretary John Mark Pommersheim and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker expressed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan’s partnership in countering terrorism, advancing shared security priorities, and combating illegal migration while meeting with Interior Secretary…
— US Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) 12 February 2026
At the meeting, the US official strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Both sides discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations, the regional security situation and ways to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, particularly in the field of internal security, the release said.
“Global cooperation is essential in the fight against terrorism and the relationship with the US is of central importance in this regard,” Naqvi was quoted as saying. He welcomed US interest in investing in Pakistan’s key economic sectors and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to global partnerships aimed at eliminating terrorism and promoting sustainable economic growth, the statement added.
Read more: Despite obstacles, US interest in Pakistan’s minerals is growing
The minister assured that American investors would get a safe and secure environment in Pakistan. The two sides also agreed to encourage greater investment and partnerships in Pakistan’s mining, minerals and energy sectors, identifying these areas as having significant potential for mutual economic benefit.
Pomeroy said Washington values its relationship with Pakistan and remains committed to working closely with Islamabad on shared security and economic priorities, the statement concluded.
Earlier, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding with a US company to develop critical minerals including antimony, copper, gold and tungsten. The agreement aims to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global supply chain for materials critical to energy, defense and advanced manufacturing.
In addition, the United States has earmarked $13 billion for the Reko Diq copper-gold mine project, one of Pakistan’s largest undeveloped mineral projects. The funding is expected to support mining and associated infrastructure development.
