Pakistan’s ambitious plan to develop Balochistan’s mineral resources with American involvement appears to be facing serious hurdles, with security concerns reportedly disrupting operations in the insurgency-hit region.
According to the information provided, US Strategic Metals, a US-linked company operating from Karachi and Islamabad, has halted its activities connected with the proposed rare-minerals project. The development has reportedly raised concerns in Pakistan, which had hoped to use American participation to strengthen its presence in Balochistan’s mineral-rich areas.
Much of Pakistan’s deposits of rare and strategically important minerals are located in Balochistan, where separatist militants have long opposed Islamabad’s control. Security risks have also affected foreign investments in the province. Militants have previously targeted Chinese-backed infrastructure and mining projects, raising concerns among international companies operating in the region.
Pakistan had planned to send its first shipment of minerals to the United States in August. However, reported attacks and road blockades have prevented access to mining areas, making the planned shipment difficult to execute.
The mineral agreement followed high-level diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and the Trump administration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir had travelled to Washington and presented Trump with samples of Pakistan’s mineral resources before discussions over cooperation reportedly advanced.
The latest setback has revived questions about the feasibility of foreign investment in Balochistan without a major improvement in security.
For Pakistan, the issue is particularly sensitive as Islamabad seeks to retain control over the resource-rich province while attracting international investment. The reported US withdrawal or suspension could further complicate those efforts and provide another setback to Pakistan’s mineral-development ambitions.
