Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the transformative potential of Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, stating that harnessing these resources could free the country from its reliance on global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His remarks came during the opening session of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, held at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Addressing an audience of local and international investors, the Prime Minister highlighted the immense value of Pakistan’s mineral wealth, estimating it to be worth trillions of dollars. Sharif invited foreign and local investors to explore investment opportunities in the country’s mineral sector, emphasizing that Pakistan would no longer allow raw materials to be exported without value addition.
“We must focus on the export of finished and semi-finished products,” he said, noting that such a strategy would benefit both Pakistan and its international partners. Sharif also stressed the importance of technology transfer through agreements, which would foster the growth of Pakistan’s domestic mining industry.
The two-day forum was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who outlined Pakistan’s strategic positioning to become a global mining powerhouse. He pointed to the country’s rich geological resources, including major reserves such as Reko Diq, as well as substantial deposits of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, non-metallics, and valuable gemstones like peridot and emerald.
“Pakistan’s resource corridor, with its unparalleled mineral wealth, is poised to reshape global supply chains and attract foreign direct investment,” said Dar, adding that the government is prioritizing the sector through progressive reforms and investor-friendly policies.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal echoed these sentiments, noting that Pakistan’s mineral wealth is significant enough to attract serious interest from both local and foreign companies. He referred to the country as the “destination for investment in minerals.”
The forum also featured remarks from Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. Meyer praised Pakistan’s efforts in organizing the event and creating a fair environment for investors. He also highlighted the growing trade relations between the U.S. and Pakistan, noting that recent shipments of U.S. soybean exports reflect a strengthening partnership.
The forum serves as a pivotal platform for exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector, with around 300 participants from countries including Turkey, China, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and the U.K. Expected outcomes include the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements focused on skill development within the mining sector.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik also emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting the mining sector, highlighting major projects like the Reko Diq mine. Discussions at the forum are set to focus on investment opportunities and the government’s policies to further develop the sector.
As Pakistan seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on foreign loans, the mining sector is emerging as a critical pillar of the country’s economic future. By capitalizing on its vast mineral resources, Pakistan aims to attract global investment, boost exports, and stimulate economic growth, ultimately reducing its reliance on institutions like the IMF.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 marks a significant step towards realizing this vision, as government leaders and industry stakeholders come together to explore the untapped potential of the country’s mineral wealth.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
