Both parties agree to promote investments in the mining, minerals and energy sectors
Minister of the Interior Mohsin Naqvi, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pomeroy, US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Minister of State for the Interior Talal Chaudhry meet in Islamabad on February 12, 2026. PHOTO: HANDOUT
Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance cooperation on 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, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and US Undersecretary 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 Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker expressed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan’s partnership in combating terrorism, promoting joint security priorities, and combating illegal migration during a meeting with the Secretary of the Interior…
— US Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) February 12, 2026
At the meeting, the US official strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Both sides discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, the regional security situation and ways to further strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the field of internal security, the statement said.
“Global cooperation is essential in the fight against terrorism, and relations with the United States are of key importance in this regard,” Naqvi said. 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.
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The minister assured that American investors would be provided with a safe environment in Pakistan. The two sides also agreed to encourage greater investments and partnerships in Pakistan’s mining, minerals and energy sectors, identifying these areas as having significant potential for mutual economic benefit.
Pomeroy said Washington attaches great importance to its relationship with Pakistan and remains committed to working closely with Islamabad on shared economic and security 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 enhance Pakistan’s role in the global supply chain of essential materials for energy, defense and advanced manufacturing.
Additionally, the United States has allocated $13 billion to the Reko Diq copper-gold mining project, one of Pakistan’s largest undeveloped mining ventures. The financing is expected to support mining operations and associated infrastructure development.
