American businesses are showing increased interest in Pakistan’s oil, gas, and minerals industries, according to U.S. Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who met with Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Investment Opportunities on the Table

Baker stressed that Pakistan’s untapped reserves present strong opportunities for U.S. companies looking to expand in the region. She noted that the U.S. Embassy is prepared to facilitate direct connections between American energy firms and Pakistani partners, particularly in the exploration and production sector.

“The appetite from U.S. companies for Pakistan’s energy and mineral resources is real and growing,” Baker said, adding that Washington is eager to expand economic engagement beyond traditional security cooperation.

Pakistan Preparing New Exploration Rounds

Minister Malik highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming bidding rounds for offshore and onshore exploration blocks, calling them a major opening for foreign investors. He underscored that Pakistan has large untapped shale oil and gas reserves that the government is keen to develop.

“We want to turn our indigenous resources into commercially viable reserves, and U.S. firms are already part of the conversation,” Malik said.

Building on Recent Engagement

Both officials praised the success of the recent “Direct Line” webinar, which connected American companies with opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector. They agreed the same approach could be used to expand U.S. participation in oil and gas projects.

Shifting the Partnership Toward Economics

While U.S.-Pakistan ties have often revolved around security cooperation, Baker noted that Washington now sees economic collaboration as a key area for strengthening bilateral relations.

The meeting concluded with a pledge from both sides to deepen energy-sector cooperation, with U.S. technology and investment expected to play a central role in Pakistan’s future energy development.