Newshour| U.S. & Pakistan Eye Rare Minerals Deal in Major Policy Shift

On Pakistan’s Independence Day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Washington’s intention to explore cooperation with Islamabad in critical minerals and hydrocarbons.

The move signals a notable warming of relations under President Donald Trump’s second term, after years of limited engagement. 

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister says U.S. companies entering through joint ventures could boost the country’s struggling economy, currently reliant on International Monetary Fund (IMF) support, and open access to Balochistan’s vast copper and gold reserves.

This edition of NewsHour features live coverage from Islamabad and a balanced debate between two political analysts — one offering a pro-Pakistan perspective, the other a pro-U.S. view.

The discussion examines what each country stands to gain strategically, the economic potential of joint ventures, and the challenges posed by security risks in mineral-rich areas.

We also explore how Pakistan can balance its ties with both Washington and Beijing while shaping a partnership that delivers long-term benefits.

With rare earth elements increasingly central to global competition, this potential deal could reshape the geopolitical and economic landscape for both nations.

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PakistanIndependenceDay USPakistanRelations MarcoRubio PakistanMineralsDeal PakistanHydrocarbons USForeignPolicy BalochistanMines USPakistanTrade