Islamabad is seeking increased American investment in its minerals and surgical instruments industries as part of broader economic ties with the United States. The push comes as Pakistan and the US negotiate a new reciprocal trade agreement. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s envoy to the United States, made the call during meetings with business leaders in Chicago. He emphasized opportunities for US companies in mineral processing and advanced manufacturing sectors. The initiative reflects Islamabad’s efforts to diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen bilateral relations with Washington.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which it describes as “purely defensive” and open to other regional countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated the agreement is not equivalent to NATO and remains open to any nation that adheres to its core principles. The pact, signed in Makkah, is seen as a step toward regional security cooperation. Analysts in Islamabad caution against interpreting the agreement as a military alliance. (dawn.com)
