Summary Dar said Pakistan was seeking investment in exploration, mining technology, processing and energy
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 kicked off at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together more than 5,000 delegates from over 50 countries to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan's mineral sector.
The forum aims to showcase the country's vast mineral reserves and attract international investment in mineral exploration, mining, processing and value addition, with a focus on turning natural resources into sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the inaugural session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed international delegates and said the participation of global investors reflected growing confidence in Pakistan's commitment to long-term partnerships in the mining sector.
He said Pakistan did not intend to merely extract minerals and export them in raw form, but sought to develop the entire mineral value chain by gradually expanding its capacity for processing, refining and manufacturing mineral-based products.
Dar said Pakistan was seeking investment in exploration, mining technology, processing and energy, adding that mineral development would create opportunities in engineering, automation, services and manufacturing.
He noted that Pakistan was entering a critical phase of economic development, highlighting progress towards macroeconomic stability through fiscal discipline, reforms and prudent financial management. He added that mineral resources would play a key role in the country's next phase of economic transformation.
The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan's ambitions to become an active player in clean energy, digital technology and industrial production. He said demand for copper and other minerals had increased globally due to the expansion of clean energy and electric vehicles.
Dar described Balochistan as central to Pakistan's mineral future and stressed the importance of strengthening supply chains and diversifying global sources of mineral supplies.
Provincial leaders also invited international investors to explore opportunities in their respective regions, assuring them of government support and cooperation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi urged investors to explore the province's mineral potential, saying the government would prioritise security and provide a one-window facilitation system. He also highlighted the province's position as Pakistan's second-largest gas-producing region.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the country possessed enormous natural resources that needed to be utilised for economic prosperity. Highlighting Punjab's mineral potential, she said the province had deposits of coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt.
She further revealed that surveys were underway to determine gold deposits in Punjab's rivers, with evidence indicating the presence of substantial quantities of gold in river sediments, alongside other valuable minerals and metals.
Maryam said the provincial government was seeking commercial partnerships to develop its mineral resources and was offering land at affordable rates to facilitate business and investment.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted investment opportunities in the province's energy and industrial sectors, particularly in mining. He said Thar's coal reserves were among the world's sixth-largest deposits, offering significant potential for investment.
He added that Sindh was developing an effective mining framework and encouraging private-sector participation, while international investment could facilitate the transfer of modern mining technologies.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for strengthening international partnerships and promoting investment in Pakistan's mineral resources, with provincial governments seeking to translate the country's geological potential into industrial development and economic opportunities.
