Pakistan, April 10 — This country stands at a pivotal juncture where economic opportunities and transformative potential converge. With the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum scheduled for 2025 in Islamabad, this event signifies much more than an exhibition of mineral resources; it represents a tenacious nation’s journey towards self-sufficiency, financial stability, and improved prospects for its 240 million inhabitants. However, some appear unwilling to allow Pakistan to control its own story.

Not long ago, Mehlaqa Samdani, an American citizen who identifies as a ‘pro-democracy activist,’ garnered attention on social platforms by encouraging her audience to put pressure on U.S. officials traveling to Pakistan to emphasize supposed ‘democratic standards’ rather than focusing on economic collaboration. In her public message aimed at Erik Meyer from the U.S. State Department, she presents a skewed and overly simplistic view of Pakistan, entirely overlooking the multifaceted realities and ambitions of Pakistani citizens. It should be noted that Ms. Samdani doesn’t represent the voice of ordinary Pakistanis.

Her position contradicts the values she professes to support. As Pakistan seeks increased global cooperation and encourages investments in areas such as renewable energy, information technology, and mining, efforts to turn economic involvement into a political tool are not just reckless—they are detrimental. Such actions go counter to the aspirations of countless diligent Pakistani citizens seeking job opportunities and security, rather than symbolic gestures from individuals out of touch with the nation’s real challenges.

The potential value of untapped resources in Pakistan’s mining industry is projected to exceed $6 trillion. This figure represents more than just economic worth; it symbolizes a promising future—one filled with job opportunities for young people, progress for underdeveloped regions like Balochistan, and collaborations capable of elevating whole communities. The PMIF 2025 presents a chance to drive genuine and enduring transformation in territories that have historically been overlooked. Questioning these initiatives only serves to perpetuate the harmful notion that Pakistan should consistently be seen as suspicious and unstable.

This critique originates from a position of privilege detached from the everyday struggles faced by most Pakistanis. As she advocates for democratic principles from abroad, countless individuals inside Pakistan are actively battling not only for proper representation but also for economic respectability and fundamental life chances. Such people stand to gain significantly from external investments, employment generation, and infrastructural improvements facilitated via platforms such as PMIF25.

It’s important to emphasize that Mehlaqa Samdani does not hold Pakistani citizenship. She operates outside of Pakistan both in terms of her platform and where she directs her loyalty. At such a critical time economically, her involvement smells of foreign interests that diverge from what typical Pakistanis require. It raises serious concerns when an individual without a vested interest in Pakistan’s upcoming prospects wields power to obstruct potential progress within the nation. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has lasted more than seven decades based on reciprocal esteem and common objectives. This alliance should be fortified instead of being undermined by narrowly focused activism driven by sensationalism rather than constructive advancement.

The young population of Pakistan, which comprises more than 60% of the nation’s total populace, does not seek validation from foreign observers. Instead, they are initiating businesses, engaging in governmental roles, spearheading local initiatives, and gearing up to revitalize the country’s economy. The Minerals Forum stands as an essential component of this shift. It aims at concrete objectives—objectives that can be quantified and implemented effectively: drawing investments, enhancing transparency, and facilitating access to international marketplaces.

Our democratic systems are changing, indeed—but this applies to all democracies. Simplifying a country’s whole development into a handful of catchphrases copied from overseas demonstrates both intellectual dishonesty and strategic misjudgment.

To the wider Pakistani diaspora: this is not the time for division. Pakistan needs your support-not lectures. Constructive criticism is a part of democracy, but undermining national economic forums through public pressure campaigns only serves those who wish to see Pakistan falter. We don’t need elitist voices drowning in comfort telling us how to fix our problems. We need investment, innovation and confidence in Pakistan’s potential. We need partners who believe in our capacity to grow-not gatekeepers who benefit from keeping us stagnant.

Pakistan’s rich natural resources, youthful population, and advantageous location make it an attractive country for investment—not only financial but also in terms of trust. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum isn’t focused on politics—it’s centered on advancement. Regardless of outside distractions, they shouldn’t drown out the sound of a nation ascending.

The author, who is an alumna of QAU and currently pursuing an MPhil degree, also works as a freelance columnist from her base in Islamabad. For inquiries, she may be contacted via email at fa7263125@gmail.com.