With the support of Special Investment Facilitation Cell (SIFC), the opening day of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF 2025) was inaugurated in Islamabad with a message that Pakistan is ready to become a key global player in the mineral sector.
On April 8, PMIF 2025 encompassed three key sessions, while April 9 was dedicated to comprehensive sessions and panel discussions on Reko Diq.
On this noteworthy occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and senior officials from the government participated on April 8.
In this forum more than 2,000 participants are in attendance, including 300 international delegates from the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, and Kenya.
Speaking at PMIF25 in Islamabad on April 8, PM Sharif conveyed optimism regarding the potential of the country’s mineral resources. He suggested that effectively utilising these resources could significantly decrease Pakistan’s reliance on global financial institutions, such as, the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In his address, the PM Sharif highlighted the importance of processing and exporting finished and semi-finished mineral products, rather than exporting raw materials. He contended that this approach would not only add value to the country’s mineral wealth but also enhance its economic stability.
PM Sharif further proposed that investment agreements should incorporate the gradual transfer of technology to Pakistan. This would ensure that the country derives long-term benefits from foreign investments and technological advancements in the sector.
In addition, the Prime Minister encouraged entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for joint ventures aimed at establishing vocational training centers within Pakistan. Such initiatives, he stated, would play a critical role in equipping the nation’s youth with modern skills, thus enhancing Pakistan’s industrial capacity and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Minister reassured participants that both the federal and provincial governments, in collaboration with other relevant institutions, would work cohesively to position Pakistan as a global leader in the management of mineral resources.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in his address welcomed international delegates, CEOs, and investors. He highlighted that investment in minerals is not just about economic growth — it’s about shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
He stated that Pakistan is at a turning point. The government has made tough decisions to stabilize the economy. Optimistic trends in remittances, foreign direct investment, and improved credit ratings shows growing investor confidence.
Dar talked on the country’s immense geological potential. Pakistan sits on the Tethyan Metallogenic Belt — one of the world’s richest copper-gold zones. The Reko Diq deposit is just one example of the treasures beneath Pakistan’s soil.
The country also hosts vast reserves of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, and precious gemstones like peridot and emerald. These resources remain largely untapped, waiting to be transformed into national assets.
Historically, Pakistan’s mineral wealth has been underutilized. But that is changing. The government is introducing progressive policies and reforms. These aim to create a transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem that ensures mutual benefit for all stakeholders.
Senator Dar also pointed to Pakistan’s youthful population as a key strength. With over 60% of the population under 30, the country has the human capital needed to drive innovation across the mining value chain.
He stressed the importance of partnerships. Public-private collaboration, international cooperation, and community engagement are essential for long-term success. He also said that investment must go beyond profit and it must be purposeful and inclusive.
Dar elucidated that PMIF 2025 is built on three pillars: Potential, People, and Policy. These form the foundation for shared prosperity and responsible resource development. Dar concluded with a call to action: let us invest with vision, integrity, and a focus on the people of Pakistan.
The message was clear that Pakistan is open for business, rich in resources, and ready to partner for a better future.
