Pakistan’s decision to ship rare earth minerals to the United States has sparked a lot of conversation around the world. It seems surprising to many that a country so closely connected to China would send such an important resource to Washington. After all, rare earth minerals are one of China’s strongest economic tools in its ongoing rivalry with the United States.

But this move is not about betraying China. Instead, it’s a careful and practical step taken by Pakistan to secure its economic future. This decision reflects the urgency of the moment and Pakistan’s growing need to maintain a balanced strategy in its foreign relations.

Pakistan has been facing major economic challenges for a long time. While the country is rich in valuable minerals, such as copper, gold, and rare earths, it has not been able to fully develop these resources. Factors like low investment, poor infrastructure, and outdated technology have kept the mining industry from reaching its potential.

Adding to these difficulties is Pakistan’s growing debt. Debt servicing has become the largest part of the national budget, taking up a big chunk of government spending. For the fiscal year 2025–26, debt servicing is expected to cost between PKR 8.2 trillion and PKR 9.77 trillion, making up around 46.7 to 55 percent of the total budget of PKR........

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