Pakistan can bid farewell to IMF by utilising mineral resources: PM Shehbaz
Pakistan
Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Finland, the United States, Europe are participating in the forum
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday Pakistan could bid farewell to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) by exploiting its mineral resources.
Addressing the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025 at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the prime minister expressed hope that the event would “enhance investors' confidence in Pakistan.”
The prime minister stated that progress on the Reko Diq project is encouraging.
“Nature has blessed Pakistan with abundant natural resources. From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan and the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, there are vast mineral reserves. The lands of Sindh and Punjab are also rich in natural resources, and Azad Kashmir holds immense mineral treasures,” Prime Minster Shehbaz added.
He said that Pakistan has trillions of dollars in mineral reserves, and by benefiting from these resources, the country can free itself from the shackles of debt and bid farewell to the IMF.
The mining industry in Balochistan will create employment opportunities and lead to social and economic development, he stated.
He was of the view that investment in minerals was beneficial for everyone. “Pakistan welcomes investors from the Gulf countries, China, Europe, the US, and other regions. Pakistan is home to the world's largest coal reserves.”
He stated that by relying on local coal, instead of imported coal, Pakistan is saving valuable foreign exchange.
“The country aims to promote exports by adding value to its products. Exports of finished goods, rather than raw materials, will be ensured,” he continued.
He encouraged investors to focus on finished products and emphasized that technical training is essential for the mining industry. “Partnerships between the private sector and government will be promoted to provide technical training to the youth. Investors should also play a role in skills enhancement of the young people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz concluded by saying that “together, we will make Pakistan a great nation and convert memorandums of understanding into formal agreements.”
Later, a number of MoUs were signed between Pakistan and foreign companies.
'TAP MINERAL RESOURCES FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY'
Earlier, addressing the opening session of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said mineral resources must be utilised for economic stability.
He stated that Pakistan had large deposits of gold and copper. The country is rich in natural resources. To harness these mineral resources, significant investment is required.
He mentioned that Pakistan was entering a new era of economic growth and international organisations were also acknowledging the fact.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir also attended the forum. A high-level US delegation, led by Eric Meyer, also attended forum.
Saudi Gold Refinery Deputy Chairman Faisal Suleiman, and Saudi Development Fund Director of Project Management Abdul Salam Abdullah, the Asian Development Bank, the China Geological Survey, and Finnish company Metso also attended the event.
Earlier, the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 began at Jinnah Convention Centre here with the aim of boosting investment in the country’s mineral sector.
‘IMMENSE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES’
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal stated that Balochistan is rich in mineral resources. “There are immense investment opportunities in the mineral sector.”
He mentioned that the participation of foreign investors in the forum was a positive development for Pakistan.
‘GOVT DETERMINED TO UTILIZE MINERAL RESOURCES’
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik warmly welcomed the participants in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum. He explained that the purpose of holding the forum was to highlight the opportunities in Pakistan's mineral sector.
“The participation of foreign investors in the forum is a clear indication of the growing confidence in Pakistan's mineral industry,” Malik added.
He said that Pakistan is rich in mineral resources. “Balochistan holds a prominent position in this regard. Mineral resources are also available in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh, while Azad Kashmir has reserves of gold, precious stones, and other minerals.”
The government is determined to fully utilise these resources, the minister continued.
Malik also mentioned that efforts were being made to simplify the laws for investors in Pakistan.
