Pakistan pitches its trillion-dollar mineral wealth to investors at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, with PM Shehbaz Sharif promising a shift from raw material exports to value-added products, as global partners express strong interest.
In a landmark effort to reshape Pakistan’s economic future, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited local and international investors to tap into the country’s vast, untapped mineral wealth, valued at trillions of dollars, during the opening of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF25) 2025. Held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Center, the two-day forum seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the mineral sector, with over 2,000 attendees, including 300 foreign representatives, from across the world.
Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan’s mining sector into a global powerhouse by ensuring the country derives maximum benefit from its immense mineral reserves. “We will not allow raw materials to be shipped out of the country. Our aim is to export finished and semi-finished products, ensuring that these resources contribute more to our economy,” he stated.
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The prime minister’s bold stance aligns with the government’s broader strategy to move beyond traditional exports of raw materials and focus on adding value to the country’s resources. He highlighted the importance of technology transfer in any future agreements, ensuring that international investors not only extract minerals but also bring in expertise that will benefit Pakistan’s workforce. Furthermore, Sharif encouraged entrepreneurs to invest in vocational training centers to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a growing mining industry.
With Pakistan’s mineral-rich landscape spanning approximately 600,000 square kilometers, the prime minister pointed to key reserves such as Reko Diq, along with abundant resources of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, and globally prized gemstones like peridot and emerald. These untapped assets, Sharif argued, present an unparalleled opportunity to reshape global supply chains and bolster Pakistan’s position in the global market.
The forum was also an occasion to highlight Pakistan’s growing ties with global partners. U.S. Senior Bureau Official Eric Meyer, attending on the sidelines of the event, reaffirmed American support for Pakistan’s mineral sector. Meyer praised Pakistan for organizing the forum and fostering a level playing field for investors. He noted that critical minerals are vital for both Pakistan’s and the United States’ technological future.
Meyer also touched on recent successes in U.S.-Pakistan trade, specifically the return of U.S. soybean exports to Pakistan, which have marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Meyer’s remarks were echoed by other international dignitaries, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Kingdom, all of whom acknowledged Pakistan’s substantial mineral potential.
The Saudi Vice Minister for Minerals expressed interest in exploring a strategic partnership in the sector, recognizing the significant opportunities in mineral extraction and processing in Pakistan.
On the local front, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reinforced the government’s commitment to developing the mining sector, underlining Pakistan’s strategic position and its enormous geological wealth. Dar emphasized that the government’s progressive policy reforms and investor-centric initiatives have laid the groundwork for an environment conducive to attracting FDI. He also pointed out that Pakistan’s mineral wealth could play a pivotal role in reshaping global supply chains, positioning the country as a key player in the global economy.
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Federal Minister for Power Ali Pervaiz Malik also highlighted the government’s efforts to streamline legislation and facilitate investor operations in the country. Noting that mining falls under provincial jurisdiction, Malik assured investors that consultations with provincial governments were ongoing, with a particular focus on Balochistan, which is home to a significant portion of Pakistan’s mineral resources.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal further stressed that Pakistan’s resources are so vast that they would inevitably draw significant interest from both local and foreign companies.
He also reassured potential investors that the government is actively addressing security concerns in regions like Balochistan, ensuring that the sector remains an attractive option for long-term investment.
The forum is expected to culminate in the signing of various agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), as the government rolls out the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025.
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This initiative aims to streamline policies and attract greater investment to the sector, with a special focus on Balochistan, which is seen as central to Pakistan’s mineral sector growth.
Despite its immense 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 increasing exploration, foreign investment, and infrastructure development, the sector is poised for significant growth, transforming Pakistan’s economy in the years to come.
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With international investors, government leaders, and key stakeholders gathered at the forum, Pakistan’s vision of becoming a global mining powerhouse is now one step closer to realization.
The event not only showcased the country’s immense mineral wealth but also set the stage for forging long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that will fuel the nation’s economic transformation.
