PM Welcomes Global Investors to Unlock Trillion-Dollar Mining Potential
Pakistan Can Say Goodbye to IMF by Utilising Mineral Wealth: PM Shehbaz
🗓️ Date: April 08, 2025 | 🕒 Time: 11:02 AM
Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi, Chief Reporter Islamabad
Watts News, The Largest Digital News Network Pakistan
Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 Begins with Promising Outlook
The two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 kicked off in Islamabad with a grand opening ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and chief ministers from all provinces.
International delegations from China, the United States, Gulf countries, and Europe, along with prominent private investors, joined the event to explore Pakistan’s vast and untapped mineral potential.
“Pakistan Can Say Goodbye to the IMF” — PM Shehbaz
In his keynote address, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is richly blessed with natural mineral resources, estimating their value in trillions of dollars.
“There are vast mountains of minerals in Balochistan and KP, while Punjab, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also hold significant reserves,” said the Prime Minister.
He noted that proper utilization of these resources could generate employment for youth, particularly in Balochistan, and boost local energy production using coal reserves in Sindh, helping to preserve dollar reserves.
“We have the largest coal reserves in the world. Electricity generation from coal in Sindh is a great example. This helps save dollars,” he stated.
Reforming the Mining Sector for Global Investment
The premier added that various initiatives are underway across the country to convert raw minerals into marketable goods, and with the support of the military, Pakistan can regain economic self-reliance.
“Pakistan’s mineral-rich areas can become a development hub. With help from the army chief, we aim to stand on our own two feet,” PM Shehbaz stated.
He invited investors from China, Gulf countries, Europe, and the U.S. to explore B2B and G2G opportunities, adding that modern training programs for youth could be launched through global partnerships.
Pakistan’s Geological Wealth in Focus
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted that Pakistan is geologically blessed with:
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Gold and copper in Balochistan
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Placer gold, copper, and antimony in Chitral and Kohistan
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Iron and gold in Chiniot
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Lignite coal in Thar, Sindh
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Precious stones in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir
“The world should benefit from Pakistan’s mineral resources,” he emphasized.
New Reforms to Attract Investors
The minister announced major reforms in the minerals sector, including:
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Minimizing royalty burdens
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Encouraging corporate-style mining
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Transparency in licensing and block allotments
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Merit-based decision-making
He also pointed to positive economic projections from the IMF, Moody’s, Fitch, and IFC, calling on investors to capitalize on Pakistan’s mineral and economic potential.
Forum to Conclude with Reko Diq Panel Discussions
The forum will continue until April 9, with the final day featuring in-depth panel sessions on key mining projects such as Reko Diq and emerging opportunities in high-value resource extraction.
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