Naqvi, US official discusses strengthening Pakistan-US cooperation on security

Pakistan and the United States on Friday discussed expanded cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics during a meeting in Islamabad between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Deputy Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur.

Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry and the federal interior minister also attended the meeting, according to an official statement.

Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest situation in the Middle East, the statement said.

Naqvi said Pakistan-US relations had strengthened during the tenure of President Donald Trump and described the ties between the two countries as based on mutual trust and bilateral cooperation.

The interior minister said Pakistan had ensured “foolproof security” for US companies working on the Reko Diq mine project in southwestern Balochistan province, and also expressed Pakistan’s desire for an early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the US.

In February, the United States earmarked $1.3 billion for the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project aimed at supporting the extraction of mineral reserves in Balochistan. Construction work has already begun on the mine site, and commercial production is expected to begin in 2028.

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Pakistan’s mineral-rich landscape covers an excavation area of ​​600,000 square kilometers. With 92 known minerals, of which 52 are commercially exploited, Pakistan produces an estimated 68.52 million tons of minerals annually. The sector supports over 5,000 operational mines and 50,000 small and medium enterprises, providing direct employment to 300,000 workers.

Discussing regional developments, Naqvi said he remained hopeful for a lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

Kapur praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, according to the statement.

Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on 8 April, followed by critical talks in Islamabad involving high-level delegations from both countries on 11 and 12 April.

However, neither side was able to reach an agreement to end the conflict.

Since then, the two sides have exchanged proposals and counter-proposals in an attempt to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.