Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on both local and international investors to take advantage of Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, which are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. Speaking at the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized the significant potential of these resources to reduce Pakistan’s dependency on global financial institutions like the IMF.
In his address, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the importance of adding value to Pakistan’s mineral sector by processing and exporting finished and semi-finished products, rather than simply shipping raw materials abroad. He proposed that any investment agreements should include technology transfers to Pakistan, ensuring sustainable and long-term benefits for the country. The prime minister also encouraged entrepreneurs to consider joint ventures focused on establishing vocational training centers, which would equip Pakistan’s youth with modern skills to boost industrial growth.
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The summit, attended by over 2,000 participants—including 300 international delegates from countries such as the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UK—aims to attract foreign direct investment and forge long-term partnerships by showcasing Pakistan’s mineral potential. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his opening remarks, noted Pakistan’s strategic position to become a global mining powerhouse, citing its rich geological landscape and underutilized reserves of minerals like rare earth elements, gemstones, and industrial minerals.
The launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 at the event marked an important step in streamlining policy and attracting investors to a sector that currently contributes just 3.2% to the national GDP. With strong support from both federal and provincial governments, as well as the military, the forum reflected a united effort to transform Pakistan into a leader in mineral resource management.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal highlighted Balochistan’s potential to lead this transformation, calling for improvements in security and regulatory frameworks to attract global investment. He also urged foreign companies to explore joint ventures and public-private collaborations that extend beyond the extraction phase, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for the country’s mineral sector.
