The United States signalled a renewed push to deepen economic ties with Pakistan, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Washington "looks forward to exploring new areas of cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons." His remarks were issued in a State Department statement marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day on 14 August. Rubio added that the United States "deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade" and wants to foster "dynamic business partnerships" in the extractives sector. The outreach follows a U.S.–Pakistan trade deal concluded in July that both sides said would lower tariffs and catalyse investment. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has invited U.S. companies to take equity stakes in mining ventures, particularly in the southwestern province of Balochistan, offering incentives such as lease grants. Balochistan hosts the Reko Diq copper-gold project, operated by Barrick Gold and considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits. The economic overture highlights a broader thaw in relations under President Donald Trump. After years of friction over Afghanistan and Washington’s tilt toward India, the two capitals have resumed counterterrorism talks; the State Department recently designated the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army a foreign terrorist organisation.