Pakistan's Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, present rare earth minerals to Donald Trump at White House meeting

Donald Trump with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir (X)

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, during a visit to the White House, presented a collection of rare earth minerals to US President Donald Trump in a meeting last week. A photograph released by the White House captured the moment, showing Asim Munir handing over a wooden box of rare earth minerals as Donald Trump looked on, with Shabaz Sharif standing alongside.

The Oval Office talks, described by Pakistani officials as “highly significant and security-focused,” lasted about ninety minutes and also included US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions covered security cooperation, counterterrorism, economic engagement, and opportunities in mining, oil, and energy. US officials reportedly expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s mineral wealth, potential in crypto mining, and oil exploration.

Following the meeting, Shabaz Sharif hailed Trump as a “man of peace” for his efforts to resolve conflicts worldwide, while expressing confidence that US-Pakistan ties would be further strengthened. He invited American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, minerals, and energy sectors.

Investment in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization earlier signed a $500 million deal with Missouri-based U.S. Strategic Metals to establish a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan. Another agreement was inked between Pakistan’s National Logistics Corp and Portugal’s Mota-Engil Group, focusing on construction and infrastructure.

Nawaz Sharif also held talks with delegations from U.S. Strategic Metals and Mota-Engil, highlighting Pakistan’s copper, gold, and rare earth resources. While most mineral reserves are located in the restive Balochistan province, deposits are also found in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

*With Agency Inputs