ISLAMABAD: Aiming to boost the country’s volatile economic indicators, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to both domestic and international investors to invest in Pakistan’s vast natural resources, estimated to be worth trillions of dollars.
The premier said this while addressing a two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad on Tuesday. He was confident that using the outstanding resources would enable Pakistan to pay off its debt.
Highlighting the potential of mineral resources in different areas of the country, PM Shehbaz emphatically said that Pakistan would not allow raw materials to be shipped out of the country.
He emphasised the importance of exporting finished and semi-finished products, saying it would be a win-win situation. He said any agreement should also entail that technology would be transferred to Pakistan over a period of time.
He said entrepreneurs would also be welcome to establish joint partnerships for training the youth in modern skills by setting up vocational training centres.
He went on to say that the federal and provincial governments, along with other institutions, would work together to transform Pakistan into one of the leading countries in the world.
The two-day PMIF25 is taking place in the federal capital with an estimated 2,000 people in attendance, in an effort to exhibit the nation’s enormous mineral potential.
During the event from April 8 to 9, the government would present Pakistan’s mineral-rich terrain, which covers around 600,000 square kilometres.
The attendees include 300 representatives from overseas. Representatives of Saudi Arabia, China, Azerbaijan, the US State Department, the US Exim Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and CEOs of mining companies from Denmark, Kenya, Finland, and the UK are among the participants.
It is expected that a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be inked at the forum.
Despite its vast potential, the mineral sector currently contributes only 3.2% to Pakistan’s GDP, with exports accounting for a mere 0.1% of the global total.
However, with increased exploration, foreign investment and infrastructural development, the industry is poised for significant growth.
A key highlight of the forum will be the official launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 by the federal government, aimed at attracting investment in the mineral sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to deliver the policy speech on the opening day, while Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir will also address the forum.
The United States would be represented by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, to advance US interests in the mineral sector.
Rare earth elements
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan is strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse, underpinned by its unparalleled geological wealth.
He highlighted that Pakistan is home to monumental reserves like Reko Diq. He said Pakistan also hosts vast resources of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, non-metallics and gemstones including globally sought-after peridote and emerald.
The deputy prime minister said with this vast untapped mineral potential, Pakistan’s resource corridor is poised to reshape global supply chains and attract foreign direct investment.
Dar said the government has prioritised the strategic development of the mining sector through progressive policy reforms and investor-centric initiatives, laying the foundation for a robust ecosystem that delivers value for all stakeholders.
The deputy prime minister said this investment forum provides a unique platform for stakeholders, partners and friendly countries to explore new prospects and build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Investor-friendly legislation
Federal Minister for Power Ali Pervaiz Malik, in his address, said that economic stability in Pakistan has been made possible through consistent government efforts.
He noted that the government is streamlining legislation to make it easier for investors to operate in the country. Highlighting the nature of the mining sector, which falls under provincial jurisdiction, he emphasised that full consultation is being carried out with the provinces.
Malik added that institutions such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Petroleum Division, and other relevant bodies are making concerted efforts to attract investment in the mineral sector.
He said the forum aims to boost investment in Pakistan’s untapped mineral resources. Special importance, he noted, is attached to the province of Balochistan in this regard.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the effective utilisation of the country’s mineral wealth, adding that the participation of foreign dignitaries in the forum reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Later participating in a discussion session, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal emphasised that Pakistan is the destination for investment in the minerals.
He said our resources are potentially so high that these will definitely attract a lot of investment and interest from local and foreign companies.
Kamal, while addressing the forum, said that Balochistan possesses significant potential in the minerals sector. He assured that every possible measure is being taken to address security concerns for investors.
The government is working to restore investor confidence, he said, noting that investment in the minerals sector is a long-term endeavour rather than a short-term initiative.
Saudi Vice Minister for Minerals, in his address, said that Saudi Arabia is reviewing the prospects for a strategic partnership with Pakistan in the development of the mineral sector.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s strong potential in minerals and expressed interest in future cooperation.
