ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs to embrace the promising prospects offered by the country’s advantageous investment policies in mineral exploration.
He expressed his conviction that harnessing Pakistan’s rich mineral resources could pave the way for the nation to part ways with IMF programs for good.
Addressing the inaugural day of the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, while highlighting the potential of mineral resources in different areas of the country, the prime minister emphatically said that Pakistan will not allow raw materials to be shipped out of the country. He conveyed his optimism that tapping into these invaluable resources could liberate Pakistan from its reliance on loans.
Prime Minister proclaimed that Pakistan has been graced by Allah Almighty with a treasure trove of natural resources, stretching from the rugged terrains of Balochistan to the snow-capped peaks of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the unblemished heights of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the verdant valleys of Sindh and the expansive plains of Punjab also brim with immense natural wealth, collectively valued in the trillions of dollars.
He called upon foreign investors to turn existing opportunities into concrete realities, advocating for solid partnerships that would flourish without the need for foreign loans, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes. The event, organised by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), attracted over 300 global delegates, including Governors, Chief Ministers, the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and various ministers, parliamentarians, and diplomats.
Highlighting the potential within the minerals sector, the Prime Minister noted that Pakistan is endowed with fertile land and a populace that is courageous and ready to overcome challenges, capable of transforming adversity into prosperity. He expressed confidence that, by uniting efforts and focusing on shared goals, the nation could reap significant rewards, assuring full support from federal and provincial governments, institutions, and the military.
He warmly invited companies from Europe, the US, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey to invest in Pakistan’s minerals sector. He detailed that provincial governments are actively creating a welcoming environment for foreign investors, mentioning that Sindh houses the largest coal deposits, essential for local cement plants and industrial units, thus conserving precious foreign reserves that would otherwise be spent on coal imports. He also noted iron ore discoveries in Punjab and the vast potential in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.
The Prime Minister underscored a pivotal shift in policy, stating that while foreign companies previously were permitted to export raw materials, they would now be encouraged to establish downstream industries within Pakistan, converting these resources into finished goods for export—a strategy that promises a win-win scenario for all involved.
He maintained that it is the government’s obligation to drive this initiative from a national perspective. This policy will serve as a cornerstone for international partnerships, as exporting raw materials incurs higher freight costs than finished products. He emphasised that foreign investors would bring technology and training for Pakistan’s youth, empowering them to become entrepreneurs through joint ventures.
Welcoming investments from the KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, the USA, China, and Britain, the Prime Minister urged these companies to consider establishing vocational training centres for Pakistani youth, an important endeavour that could yield significant benefits for all parties involved. He reassured that the currently arid regions across the country would soon transform into thriving industrial hubs, with the collective efforts of government, military leadership, and international partners poised to elevate Pakistan to a developed and prosperous nation.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Minister of Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik, his team, and all supporting departments, alongside the invaluable backing from the Army Chief and international collaborators for making the event a resounding success. The Prime Minister regarded the gathering as not only successful but also fruitful, instilling confidence among entrepreneurs from Pakistan and around the globe.
He acknowledged Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold, for his unwavering commitment to the Reko Diq project, noting that under his leadership, this long-stalled initiative has made remarkable strides—serving as an inspiration for others.
The Prime Minister, along with the Chief of Army Staff and Chief Ministers, also witnessed the signing of various memorandums of understanding and agreements in the minerals sector, marking a significant step forward for Pakistan’s economic landscape.
