Pakistan seeks multibillion-dollar investments in minerals sector amid international summit

Pakistan has commenced the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum on April 8, 2025, in Islamabad, attracting delegations from various countries such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China. The summit aims to draw significant investments in Pakistan's largely underdeveloped mines and minerals sector, highlighting the immense reserves of copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements that the nation possesses. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasizes that Pakistan is in a strategic position to become a prominent player in global mining, with abundant unexplored reserves available for investment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the forum, stating that realizing the country's mineral potential could provide financial independence from global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He asserted that the vast mineral wealth could be valued in trillions of dollars, which, if successfully harnessed, would significantly boost Pakistan's economy. Sharif's remarks come at a time when the country is seeking to stabilize its financial standing amidst economic challenges. Additionally, significant discoveries of copper-gold mineralization in Balochistan’s Chagai district have been reported by National Resources Limited. The company announced that it has identified multiple promising prospects in the area, further increasing interest in the region's mining opportunities. It also highlighted that their exploration activities have led to substantial local employment and ongoing collaboration with the Balochistan government. As the summit progresses, stakeholders from various sectors will explore investment opportunities in the minerals landscape, ensuring that favorable policies are implemented to benefit both local communities and international investors. Overall, this initiative represents a critical step for Pakistan in leveraging its natural resources for economic growth.