ISLAMABAD, April 8 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged local and international investors to tap into Pakistan’s untapped mineral wealth, valued at trillions of dollars, asserting that proper utilization of these resources could help the country eliminate its dependency on foreign loans.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad, the prime minister underlined that Pakistan would no longer permit the export of raw materials.
He emphasized the need to focus on exporting finished and semi-finished products while ensuring technology transfer and skill development through vocational training centers.
The forum, attended by over 2,000 participants, including 300 international delegates from countries such as the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Finland, Kenya, and the UK, aims to showcase Pakistan’s mineral-rich landscape covering 600,000 square kilometers. Several agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed during the event.
A key development at PMIF25 is the official launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025, intended to streamline policies and attract foreign direct investment.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the country’s immense mineral reserves, including Reko Diq and rare earth elements, positioning Pakistan to become a global mining hub. He noted the government’s commitment to progressive reforms and investor-friendly policies to unlock this vast potential.
Federal Minister for Power Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investment, pointing out that effective legislation and provincial collaboration are being ensured.
He stressed the role of bodies like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in driving mineral sector development, with special focus on Balochistan.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal echoed similar sentiments, stating that Pakistan is a promising destination for mineral investment and emphasized the long-term vision behind this initiative. He added that security concerns were being addressed to foster investor confidence.
Representing international stakeholders, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Minerals expressed interest in a strategic partnership with Pakistan and praised its mineral potential.
The US delegation is led by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, underscoring America’s growing interest in Pakistan’s mineral landscape.
Despite contributing only 3.2% to the GDP and 0.1% to global mineral exports, Pakistan’s mineral sector is on the brink of transformation through enhanced exploration, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure development, officials stated.
