ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States are advancing engagement across economic and defense domains, with recent official-level meetings focusing on investment, business ties, defense technology, procurement, production and capacity building.
Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad to discuss Pakistan-US economic cooperation, investment opportunities and stronger business-to-business ties, the Board of Investment said in a post on X.
The meeting also covered regulatory reforms and the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), according to the Board of Investment.
Earlier this week, a delegation of POWERUS, a US-based company specializing in defense and critical infrastructure solutions, led by Robert Bret Velicovich, met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Sep 16, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two developments come amid renewed and broader trajectory in bilateral relations, extending beyond the traditional security relationship to trade, investment, technology and regional stability.
The defense engagement with POWERUS has also resulted in a limited procurement order from Pakistan’s Defense Ministry for unmanned aerial systems and associated support, the US company said in a statement on September 17.
POWERUS said it had also signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with senior Pakistani defense officials, establishing a framework for potential expanded cooperation in unmanned and autonomous defense technologies.
The company said the memorandum is not a definitive agreement and creates no purchase obligation, with any future procurement or programs subject to definitive agreements, applicable US laws and regulations, and government approvals.
POWERUS Co-Founder Brett Velicovich, according to the statement, said the development marked an expansion of the company’s international defense business.
“We are proud to support Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense, and the memorandum gives both sides a strategic framework to build upon,” Velicovich quoted as saying.
According to ISPR, the meeting at GHQ focused on matters of mutual interest, evolving trends in defense technology and avenues for cooperation in defense procurement, production and capacity building.
CDF Munir “highlighted the importance of technological innovation and advanced solutions in strengthening national security and resilience,” ISPR said.
Both sides expressed interest in further developing engagement in areas of mutual interest, the military’s media wing added.
The latest defense engagement comes as Pakistan has emphasized technological modernization and advanced capabilities following the May 2025 conflict with India. Pakistan’s official statements during and after the conflict highlighted the capabilities of its armed forces and the importance of strengthening technological and defense preparedness.