A Rebuttal to the Politicization of Misconceptions
Pakistan, April 10 — This country stands at a pivotal juncture where significant economic opportunities and transformations await. With the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum scheduled for 2025 in Islamabad, this event represents much more than an exhibition of mineral resources; it signifies a strong nation’s journey towards self-sufficiency, financial stability, and improved prospects for its 240 million citizens. However, some individuals appear reluctant to allow Pakistan to fully control its story.
Recently, Mehlaqa Samdani, a US citizen and self-proclaimed 'pro-democracy activist', made waves on social media by urging followers to pressure US officials visiting Pakistan to prioritize so-called 'democratic norms' over economic cooperation. Her open appeal-directed at Erik Meyer from the US State Department-paints a distorted, one-sided picture of Pakistan while completely ignoring the context, complexities and aspirations of her people. Let's be clear: Ms. Samdani does not speak for Pakistanis.
Her position contradicts the values she professes to support. As Pakistan seeks increased international cooperation and encourages investments in areas such as renewable energy, information technology, and mining, efforts to make economic ties politically charged are not just unwise—they are detrimental. Such actions run counter to the aspirations of countless diligent Pakistani citizens seeking job opportunities and security, rather than empty displays from individuals out of touch with the nation’s real challenges.
The potential value of unexploited resources within Pakistan’s mining industry is projected to exceed $6 trillion. Beyond being merely a statistic, this figure represents hope—a beacon for job creation among young people, progress for less-serviced regions like Balochistan, and collaborations capable of elevating whole societies. The PMIF 2025 presents a chance to deliver genuine and enduring transformation to territories often marginalized. Questioning these initiatives serves little purpose except perhaps perpetuating the harmful notion that Pakistan should invariably be seen with skepticism and as a hotspot of unrest.
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 political representation but also for financial respect and fundamental life chances. Such people stand to gain significantly from external investment, 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 from platforms and has audiences whose interests diverge significantly from those within Pakistan. At such a critical economic moment, her involvement smacks of foreign objectives that fail to address the genuine concerns of typical Pakistanis. It is particularly disconcerting when an individual without stakes in Pakistan’s upcoming prospects wields power to obstruct potential progress for the nation. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States has endured for more than seven decades based on mutual esteem and common aims. This alliance should be reinforced instead of being undermined by activists who prioritize sensationalism over constructive advancement.
The young population of Pakistan, which constitutes more than 60% of the nation, is taking action rather than seeking validation from foreign observers. These individuals are establishing new businesses, engaging in public service roles, spearheading community initiatives, and working towards rejuvenating the country’s economy. One key component driving this change is the Minerals Forum. This forum aims at tangible outcomes—specifically attracting investments, enhancing transparency, and facilitating access to international markets.
Our democratic systems are changing, indeed—but then again, all democracies evolve. Simplifying a country’s whole advancement into a handful of catchphrases tweeted from overseas demonstrates both intellectual irresponsibility and flawed strategic thinking.
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 present an opportunity for investment—not merely financial, but also with confidence. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum isn’t focused on political matters; rather, it aims at fostering advancement. No level of outside interference should drown out the sound of a country ascending.
The author, who is an alumna of QAU and currently pursuing an MPhil degree, works as a freelance columnist in Islamabad. For correspondence, you may contact her at fa7263125@gmail.com.
