Mineral Resources
In a bold move to boost Pakistan’s economic development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on both local and foreign investors to capitalize on the country’s abundant mineral resources, which are valued at trillions of dollars.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad on Tuesday, he expressed confidence that harnessing these vast resources could help Pakistan escape its reliance on loans and propel the country into a new era of economic growth.
During the two-day forum, which is being held at the Jinnah Convention Center, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan would not allow raw materials to be exported without value addition.
Instead, he stressed the importance of exporting finished and semi-finished products, creating a mutually beneficial situation for both investors and the country. He also highlighted that any agreements made would include the transfer of technology to Pakistan over time.
Moreover, the Prime Minister invited entrepreneurs to establish joint partnerships aimed at setting up vocational training centers to train the youth in modern skills, ensuring that the development of the sector would benefit local communities.
The forum, which is expected to attract around 2,000 participants, will present the immense mineral potential of Pakistan’s terrain, which spans approximately 600,000 square kilometers.
The event is being attended by 300 foreign delegates, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, the United States, the UK, and other countries, as well as officials from organizations like the US State Department, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Exim Bank.
Despite Pakistan’s vast mineral potential, the sector currently contributes just 3.2% to the nation’s GDP, with exports making up a negligible 0.1% of the global total.
However, with increased exploration, foreign investment, and improved infrastructure, the mining sector is poised for substantial growth.
One of the key developments expected from the forum is the launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025, which aims to attract investment and create a robust ecosystem for the sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the forum, highlighting that Pakistan’s strategic position and geological wealth make it a strong contender to emerge as a global mining powerhouse.
He underscored that Pakistan is home to significant reserves, including the Reko Diq copper and gold mine, rare earth elements, industrial minerals, and precious gemstones such as peridot and emerald.
Dar noted that the country’s untapped mineral resources could reshape global supply chains, making Pakistan an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
Minister for Power Ali Pervaiz Malik spoke about the government’s efforts to streamline legislation and make it easier for investors to operate in Pakistan. He emphasized that consultation with provincial authorities was being conducted to ensure smooth collaboration on mining projects.
Malik also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to utilizing the country’s mineral wealth effectively and noted the growing international confidence in Pakistan’s mining sector, as reflected by the participation of foreign dignitaries at the forum.
Additionally, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal stressed that Pakistan’s mineral resources have significant potential to attract both local and international investment. He particularly highlighted Balochistan’s vast mineral wealth, assuring investors that measures were being taken to address security concerns in the province.
Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Minerals also spoke at the forum, expressing interest in exploring strategic partnerships with Pakistan in the development of its mineral sector. He acknowledged Pakistan’s strong potential and indicated that future cooperation was being considered.
With an optimistic outlook for the mining sector, the PMIF25 forum marks a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of Pakistan’s mineral resources and positioning the country as a key player in the global mining industry.
