Asim Munir Touts Pakistan’s ‘Rare Earth Treasure’ Amid Growing US Interest in Minerals
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has unveiled an ambitious economic vision centered on the country’s untapped mineral wealth, particularly its rare earth reserves. His remarks follow growing interest from US officials in securing alternative sources for critical minerals used in electronics and defense, as Washington seeks to reduce its dependence on China amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In a column published by Pakistan’s Geo Group, journalist Suhail Warraich reported that Munir, during a recent meeting in Brussels, emphasized the strategic value of Pakistan’s rare earth elements. “Pakistan has a rare earth treasure; with this treasure, Pakistan’s debt will also be reduced, and the country will soon be counted among the most prosperous societies,” Munir was quoted as saying.
The renewed focus on minerals aligns with the revival of the Reko Diq mining project — a move seen as part of broader efforts to stabilize Pakistan’s struggling economy and attract foreign investment.
The shift in tone comes as US President Donald Trump reportedly pivots closer to Islamabad, following tensions with New Delhi over its oil imports from Russia and reluctance to align with US strategic goals in South Asia. According to The Washington Post, Trump’s administration sees Pakistan less as an oil partner and more as a potential supplier of rare earths, underscored by Islamabad’s recent receipt of its first-ever US crude oil shipment under a new trade agreement.
Trump’s recalibrated South Asia policy — including 50% tariffs on Indian goods — signals a cooling of US-India ties. In contrast, the US is seeking to deepen military and economic cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in mineral development.
Munir’s remarks also reflect a careful balancing act. The column noted his commitment to strengthening ties with new partners without alienating existing ones, stating he does not intend to “sacrifice one friend for the other.”
Still, optimism about natural resources in Pakistan has a checkered past. In 2019, former Prime Minister Imran Khan prematurely announced a major offshore oil discovery, which was later debunked by the Petroleum Division after the exploratory drilling failed to deliver results, according to Dawn.
