By Aishma Gul
“In the 21st century, the battlefield is not just land, sea, or air—it is also the realm of strategic minerals, digital frontiers, and interstellar alliances.”
Pakistan’s evolving geopolitical order is increasingly being shaped by its strategic mineral wealth, defence partnerships, and technological innovation. Amidst the ongoing struggle for territorial and ideological dominance among world powers, Pakistan is cementing its status in the global paradigm, utilizing military diplomacy and gaining partnerships on a wider scale. This article considers how recent developments — from mineral diplomacy with the U.S. to space cooperation with China — are reshaping Pakistan’s strategic relevance.
Mineral Diplomacy: The New Frontier in U.S.-Pakistan Relations
– Balochistan’s Resources and Global Power Play: Pakistan’s mineral wealth, valued at $6 trillion, has become a linchpin for redefining its relationship with the United States. The Reko Diq mine in Balochistan — one of the world’s two largest untapped copper-gold deposits* — as well as the lithium reserves in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are at the centre of Washington’s strategy to secure critical minerals for advanced technologies and defence systems.
– Key Developments: During the April 2025 Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, Senior U.S. official Eric Meyer emphasized that “critical minerals are the raw materials necessary for our most advanced technologies,” highlighting President Trump’s priority to diversify supply chains away from Chinese dominance.
– Military-Backed Security: Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, addressing concerns over separatist violence, guaranteed foreign investors “complete security” for projects in troubled areas, such as Balochistan.
– Economic & Defense Synergy: The U.S. utilization of Pakistan as an alternative to China on minerals like cobalt, a key component for military-grade batteries and aerospace tech, is worth considering.
Pakistan’s mineral sector, contributing merely 3.2% of GDP, could be leveraged to provide economic resilience and fund military modernization. By encouraging transparent resource management and technology transfer clauses in agreements, as proposed at the Forum, industrial capacity could be strengthened in a manner consistent with U.S. national security objectives.
Space Collaboration: Pakistan-China “Celestial Brotherhood”
– Training the Astronauts and Defense-Tech Fusion: Pakistan made history as the first country to send astronauts to China’s space station, following a SUPARCO-PLA agreement. Two PhD-qualified candidates with aviation experience will train for missions, representing yet another development in deepening Sino-Pakistani ties beyond the terrestrial defence.
– Defense Implications: In April 2025, during a trip to China by PAF Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, it was agreed to set up a Joint Working Group with the PLA Air Force for joint high-end tactical exercises and sharing of technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber warfare.
– Military-Industrial Component: The National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), which offers tax-free incentives for Chinese companies to co-develop advanced guided weaponry and space tech, enhancing Pakistan’s defense-industrial base.
This partnership also counters India’s space ambitions, which positions Pakistan as a stakeholder in the new space race in conjunction with military and scientific prowess.
The Digital Revolution and Clean Energy
Pakistan is not only rich in minerals but is also making rapid strides in clean energy and digital innovation
– Solar Energy Milestones: According to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2025, Pakistan alone imported 17 gigawatts of solar panels last year — underscoring the transformation into one of the world’s leading solar markets. Rooftop solar installations are booming, offering affordable power solutions across the country.
– Blockchain Innovation and Digital Finance: In a recent move to amplify blockchain, digital currency, and youth education in the region, Binance founder CZ has been named a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council. Pakistan is preparing to take advantage of its growing user base in crypto and its freelance economy, with plans to convert excess electricity into Bitcoin mining and AI data centres.
Fossil Fuel Discoveries: Fueling Energy Security
Exploratory successes in Pakistan’s fossil fuel sector are paving the way for increased energy security.
– Mari Petroleum’s Spinkwam-1 well discovery: New oil and gas reserves at the Spinkwam-1 well in North Waziristan, discovered by Mari Petroleum, are producing 70.3 MMSCFD of gas and 310 BPD of condensate. Mari has a 55% stake (OGDCL 35% and Orient Petroleum 10%), CEO Fahim Haider called the discovery a “promising development,” which reinforces Pakistan’s energy future
Pakistan’s energy breakthrough boosts its resources and positions the country as a key player in the global energy market.
Expanding Defense Alliances: From Bahrain to Belarus
Pakistan’s military diplomacy is expanding with:
– Bahrain: The Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and Bahrain’s National Guard Commander discussed counterterrorism collaboration, praising Pakistan’s “professionalism” in regional stability.
– South Africa: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif held meetings with the South African leadership for formalising industrial collaboration with Pretoria, especially in defence equipment, including joint ventures.
– Belarus: An agreement to dispatch 150,000 skilled workers bolsters bilateral trade and defence cooperation, furthering Pakistan’s emergence as a labour-exporting power.
Comprehensive Benefits and Future Strategic Advantages
These interplays of mineral wealth, economic partnerships, and military diplomacy strengthen Pakistan’s role in the network of regional cooperation.
Synergy between Defense and Technology
Pakistan’s rich deposits of cobalt and other minerals essential for defence manufacturing continue to attract interest from global powers. This synergy between natural resources and advanced military technology creates a dual advantage, strengthening national security while fostering international trade and investment.
Regional Stability and Innovation
Collaborative efforts in clean energy and digital innovation not only enhance Pakistan’s economic landscape but also contribute to regional stability and modernized defence capabilities. Diversified military cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and air-space warfare, uniquely enhances the country’s security posture.
Balanced and Forward-Thinking Diplomacy
Pakistan will unlock its strategic potential in a new global order by following a balanced mix of economic, military, and tech development.
Pakistan’s evolving strategic role is marked by its strong international affiliations, military diplomacy, and sustainable exploitation of its mineral reserves. Emphasizing transparent resource management, multilateral engagement, and targeted investments in clean energy and digital technologies will strengthen national defense and drive economic progress and regional stability. As Eric Meyer noted, the country’s potential, if managed responsibly, could redefine its global standing.
(April 14th, 2025