Speaking at the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister expressed optimism that utilising these resources would enable Pakistan to reduce its dependency on global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of processing and exporting finished and semi-finished mineral products, rather than allowing raw materials to be shipped abroad.
He proposed that any investment agreements should include the transfer of technology to Pakistan over time to ensure long-term benefits.
The premier also encouraged entrepreneurs to explore joint ventures focused on establishing vocational training centers in the country.
This initiative would help train Pakistan's youth in modern skills, further boosting the nation’s industrial capabilities.
PM assured attendees that both the federal and provincial governments, along with other institutions, would work together to position Pakistan as one of the leading nations globally in mineral resource management.
The two-day summit aims to attract foreign direct investment and forge long-term partnerships by highlighting Pakistan’s mineral potential.
More than 2,000 participants were in attendance, including 300 international delegates from the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, and Kenya.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the country was “strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse,” citing its rich geological landscape and underutilised mineral resources.
He said Pakistan was home to major deposits such as Reko Diq, as well as vast reserves of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, and globally sought-after gemstones like peridot and emerald.
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has said Pakistan is ready to emerge as a leader in the global mineral economy.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said Pakistan welcomes international institutions to introduce their expertise, explore investment opportunities, and partner with the country in developing its vast resource potential.
The Army Chief emphasized that Pakistan needs engineers, geologists, operators and skilled mining professionals to harness its mineral wealth. That is why, students are being sent abroad for training to advance this sector.
He said currently, twenty-seven Pakistani students from Balochistan are receiving training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina. He said the goal is to develop a strong workforce, expertise,and human resources for the mineral sector.
General Syed Asim Munir further said economic security has become a critical component of national security. He assured that the Pakistan Army would ensure a robust security framework and proactive measures to safeguard the interests and trust of partners and investors.
He also emphasized that the development of upstream and downstream mineral industries in Pakistan will be prioritized.
The Army Chief stressed the importance of investing in refining and value addition in Pakistan to optimize costs and diversify markets.
He said with vast mineral reserves beneath the feet of the Pakistani people, skills in their hands and a transparent mineral policy in place, there is no room for despair or inaction.
He urged the people to move forward and strive for both their country and themselves.
General Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed that Pakistanis collectively assure their partners and investors that utilizing their expertise for business and mineral wealth extraction is a national aspiration. He emphasized Pakistan can be trusted as a reliable partner with confidence.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the efforts of Baloch tribal elders, who have played a crucial role in promoting mining activities and advancing the development of Balochistan.
He remarked that through collaboration, Pakistan’s mineral sector can foster regional development, prosperity and sustainability for collective benefit.
Dar launched the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 at the event—an integrated reform initiative designed to attract investors and streamline policy in a sector that currently contributes just 3.2% to the national GDP.
“The mineral sector can redefine our economy, supply chains, and export profile,” Dar said. “We are laying the foundation of a robust ecosystem for stakeholders, including local and foreign partners.”
The forum, jointly supported by federal and provincial governments, also saw attendance from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir—reflecting strong institutional support behind the reforms.
In a show of international interest, the United States was represented by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, while Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Minerals expressed readiness to explore strategic cooperation.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, speaking during a panel session, said Pakistan’s mineral potential could attract both regional and global attention if security and regulatory concerns were addressed.
“Balochistan can lead the way in this transformation,” he said. “Our resource base is substantial, and we’re ready to provide the necessary facilitation for investment.”
Kamal described investment in minerals as a long-term commitment, urging foreign companies to explore joint ventures and public-private collaborations that extend beyond extraction.
