Islamabad: In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s mineral sector, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott inaugurated a capacity-building initiative at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP). The collaboration aims to enhance Pakistan’s geoscientific capabilities through a program funded by the UK, marking a pivotal step in Pakistan-UK relations.
According to Press Information Department, the initiative is part of the UK-funded REMIT programme, in collaboration with International Geoscience Services, a UK-based consultancy. Scheduled from April to July 2026, the programme focuses on strengthening GSP’s technical capabilities with hands-on training aligned with international standards. The initiative responds to recent geopolitical tensions highlighting the vulnerabilities of reliance on hydrocarbons and aims to position Pakistan as an attractive destination for mineral exploration and investment.
Minister Malik expressed the government’s commitment to sustainable and transparent development of Pakistan’s mineral sector, appreciating the support from the British High Commission and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. He welcomed international collaboration, particularly from the UK, in various segments of the mineral value chain, emphasizing the program’s role in equipping Pakistani scientists with modern tools and enhancing institutional capabilities.
High Commissioner Marriott reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic development. She highlighted Pakistan’s geological potential and stressed the importance of trustworthy data obtained through modern methods to attract responsible investment and unlock economic potential. She noted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace.
The launch event, held at the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories in Islamabad, was attended by senior government officials, including Secretary Petroleum Division Hamid Yaqob Sheikh, Advisor GSP Dr. Hamid Ashraf, and Director-General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan Adnan Alam Awan.