Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on international investors to explore Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, ensuring them of government support and investment protection. The appeal was made on the final day of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, which concluded with participation from over 10,000 attendees representing more than 60 countries.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of moving beyond exporting raw minerals by developing domestic processing and refining facilities. He expressed the government’s commitment to address any concerns and facilitate investments in the mining and mineral sectors. Referring to a forecast by Goldman Sachs, he projected that Pakistan could potentially become the world’s sixth-largest economy by 2075, but expressed optimism for achieving this milestone before 2050.
The event also saw the inauguration of the National Minerals Data Centre and the Geological Survey of Pakistan GeoPortal by Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. These digital platforms aim to enhance access to geological data, thus supporting mineral exploration and reducing uncertainties for investors.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted the national goal of transforming Pakistan’s mineral wealth into significant economic benefits, stressing the importance of developing the entire value chain domestically. He advocated for long-term partnerships that generate sustained value, urging a shift from potential to production and raw exports to value-added growth.
The forum featured notable announcements, including the Frontier Works Organization’s revelation of an estimated 350 million tonnes of copper in Chagai, Balochistan, and Mari Minerals’ discovery of gold and copper reserves in the same region. Additionally, National Resources Limited announced a $100 million investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik detailed efforts to advance domestic refining and infrastructure, including the Rohri-Nokundi railway, to connect mineral hubs globally. Meanwhile, OGDC President Ahmed Hayat Lak praised the forum’s success in fostering international partnerships and launching digital portals, highlighting the need for technical excellence and transparent policies.
The forum also included strategic dialogues with global mining leaders focusing on policy certainty and regional cooperation, alongside sessions on AI exploration, infrastructure security, and environmental standards. The event concluded with the signing of 13 major agreements and the announcement of the next forum scheduled for November 2027.