Naqvi, US official discuss expanding cooperation on security and counter-terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday held talks with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur in Islamabad, where both sides discussed broadening cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics.

The meeting was also attended by Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and the federal interior secretary. Dawn reported that other officials were also present. The interior ministry said the two sides reviewed Pakistan-US relations and exchanged views on the latest situation in the Middle East.

During the meeting, Naqvi said ties between Pakistan and the United States had improved during President Donald Trump’s tenure. He said, Pakistan-US relations have strengthened during Trump’s tenure. He also said, Pak-US relations are based on mutual trust and bilateral cooperation.

Naqvi told the US side that Pakistan had ensured foolproof security for American companies working on the Reko Diq project in Balochistan. He also said the country wanted direct flights between Pakistan and the US soon.

On regional developments, Naqvi said, We are hopeful for a lasting and peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.

Kapur appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Dawn also reported that Kapur noted the positive direction of bilateral relations and appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional mediation during a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday.

Reko Diq and broader context

Express Tribune reported that in February, the United States earmarked $1.3 billion for the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project to support extraction of mineral reserves in Balochistan. Construction work has already started at the site, while commercial production is expected to begin in 2028.

Pakistan’s mineral-rich landscape spans an outcrop area of 600,000 square kilometres. The country has 92 known minerals, of which 52 are commercially exploited, and produces an estimated 68.52 million metric tons of minerals each year. The sector includes more than 5,000 operational mines and 50,000 small and medium-scale enterprises, providing direct employment to 300,000 workers.

Dar-Kapur meeting

On Thursday, Kapur also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional developments.

The Foreign Office said Dar appreciated Trump’s vision for peace, the Iran–US ceasefire understanding, and the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

Dar welcomed growing engagement between Pakistan and the United States and the expansion of cooperation in multiple areas. He also stressed the importance of regular high-level exchanges and sustained structured dialogue.

The Foreign Office added that both sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration in trade, investment and development.

Middle East developments

Express Tribune reported that Pakistan had brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 attended by senior delegations from both countries. The two sides did not reach an agreement to end the conflict and have since been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to find common ground and resume a second round of direct talks.

The conflict has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.