ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026’: A New Dawn for Economic Revolution

ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) The ‘Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026’ (PMIF26) has commenced. This two-day international conference, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, is being attended by representatives from over 60 countries, diplomats, officials from global financial institutions, and investors associated with international mining companies.

The land of Pakistan has been endowed by nature with a geographical significance and a wealth of natural resources rarely seen in other parts of the world. From the towering, snow-capped mountain ranges of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush in the north, to the vast deserts of Balochistan and the Makran coast in the south, mineral treasures worth billions—even trillions—of dollars have remained hidden within this land for centuries. Unfortunately, in the past, a lack of policy continuity, an absence of modern technology, complex bureaucratic hurdles, and security concerns have prevented us from effectively harnessing these immense resources. However, the tide now appears to be turning. The two-day “Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026” (PMIF26), hosted at the Jinnah Convention Centre in the federal capital, Islamabad, serves as a clear declaration: Pakistan is determined to move beyond a reliance on loans and foreign aid, and is instead committed to achieving economic self-reliance by leveraging its own natural resources. The global forum held under the title “Pakistan: The Next Critical Minerals Destination” has drawn the attention of investors, major multinational mining corporations, financial institutions, and policymakers from across the globe. The participation of delegates, diplomats, and international experts from over 60 countries serves as evidence that the international community now views Pakistan as a key player in the global mineral supply chain. The global economy and technology of the 21st century are undergoing a major transformation. The world is rapidly shifting away from fossil fuels (oil and gas) and entering an era defined by clean energy, electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and artificial intelligence (AI). The metals and minerals upon which this “green revolution” and modern technology entirely depend are known globally as “critical minerals.” Prominent among these are copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, antimony, chromite, and rare earth elements.

According to reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and other international organizations, the global demand for these minerals is set to increase several hundred-fold over the next two decades. Major global powers—most notably the United States, China, the European Union, and the Gulf states—are actively seeking access to secure and sustainable sources of these minerals. In the current global landscape, the emergence of Pakistan alongside its mineral wealth presents not only a golden opportunity for the national economy but also a catalyst to elevate the country’s geo-economics to new heights. The display of unity among federal and provincial leadership at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026’ conveyed a highly positive message to foreign investors. While formally inaugurating the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar articulated a crucial policy stance: the government’s top priority is to process and refine mineral resources domestically, rather than exporting them in their raw form. In the past, the practice of exporting raw materials at low prices—only to re-import finished products made from those same materials at a much higher cost—inflicted severe damage on the national economy. Establishing refineries and value-addition industries locally will not only lead to a manifold increase in foreign exchange reserves but will also trigger an industrial revolution, creating new employment opportunities for millions of young people.

On this occasion, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the mining sector as a “game changer” for the national economy, while Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the commitment that effectively leveraging Pakistan’s mineral reserves would serve as a primary driver for economic stability and export growth. According to projections by the Petroleum Division, Pakistan’s mineral exports—which stood at approximately $932 million in 2025—could reach $10.46 billion annually by 2039, following the implementation of reforms and the completion of new projects. While this target may appear ambitious, its achievement is not impossible, provided the current momentum is maintained. A particularly encouraging aspect of this forum is the robust participation of leadership from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial authority over mineral resources has become an established reality; in the past, a lack of coordination between the federal government and the provinces often led to the stalling of major projects. However, the platform provided by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has successfully brought the federal government, the provinces, and the military leadership onto the same page.

Balochistan—which accounts for approximately 44 percent of Pakistan’s total land area and stands as the country’s richest province in terms of mineral wealth—remained a primary focus of this forum. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, while instilling strong confidence in global investors, assured them that a favorable investment climate and comprehensive security would be provided within the province. He rightly pointed out that the core challenge facing Balochistan is not so much a matter of actual security, but rather one of “perception”—a perception that is often presented in a manner contrary to the reality on the ground..which is presented in a manner contrary to reality. The people of Balochistan desire development and prosperity and are prepared to welcome foreign investors.

The Reko Diq project in Balochistan—home to one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits—has now entered its operational phase. The involvement of the global firm Barrick Gold, alongside Saudi Arabia and other partners, has restored the confidence of investors worldwide. Beyond Reko Diq, sites such as Saindak, Siah Diq, the iron and chromite deposits in Chagai, and the mineral-rich regions of Lasbela and Khuzdar are also awaiting global investment.

Furthermore, the participation of the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Amjad Hussain; the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Iftikhar Gilani; the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi; and the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh underscores that mineral development is not confined solely to Balochistan. The presence of emeralds, chromite, marble, and granite in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; gemstones, gold, and lithium in Gilgit-Baltistan; vast coal reserves in the Thar region of Sindh; and deposits of salt, gypsum, limestone, and iron—as well as gold particles found in rivers—in Punjab have firmly placed the entire country on the global mineral map. Long-term foreign investment in any nation is contingent upon investors being assured of policy continuity, a transparent tax regime, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and the guaranteed repatriation of profits. The forum placed special emphasis on the fact that regulations under the “Pakistan Investment Policy” and the National Minerals Harmonization Framework have been simplified and aligned with international standards. The expertise of institutions such as the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) and the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is being modernized, while the recent issuance of over 40 new exploration licenses reflects growing activity in this sector.

However, environmental protection (ESG) and the well-being of local populations (community impact) cannot be overlooked during the extraction of mineral resources. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other speakers at the forum acknowledged that economic development and environmental preservation must go hand in hand. The transfer of global technology is essential for adopting modern mining practices, minimizing water usage, and controlling carbon emissions. Furthermore, local communities must be made direct stakeholders in this development. Only when the local citizens of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Gilgit-Baltistan gain access to modern education, healthcare, clean water, and dignified employment will these projects prove sustainable and help address existing local deprivations. Although the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 has kindled new hope, one cannot turn a blind eye to the ground realities and the challenges that lie ahead. The mining sector is highly capital-intensive and long-term in nature; the process—from the initial discovery of a deposit to the commencement of production—can span several years. In the meantime, maintaining political stability and law and order will be the greatest test.

The second major challenge concerns infrastructure. Constructing modern roads and a railway network is essential to transport minerals from remote, mountainous regions—such as Chagai, Khuzdar, Waziristan, or Gilgit-Baltistan—to the ports of Gwadar or Karachi. The government’s plans to establish rail and road links connecting projects like Reko Diq to these ports are a welcome development; however, their rapid implementation is of critical importance.

A third key aspect is the development of a skilled workforce. During the forum’s technical sessions, it was emphasized that Pakistani universities and vocational institutions should be aligned with global standards in fields such as modern mining engineering, geology, and metallurgy. This would ensure that foreign companies have access to expert engineers and technical staff locally, while also promoting the inclusion of women in the sector. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is not merely a conference or an exhibition; it represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s economic history. Nature has endowed us with treasures that possess the full potential to liberate the country from all its external debts and transform Pakistan into a formidable economic power in the region. It is imperative to ensure that the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) reached at this forum—along with the interest shown by global investors—do not fall victim to bureaucratic red tape. If the federal and provincial governments, state institutions, and the private sector continue to move forward with the same level of determination, transparency, and single-minded focus, then the day is not far off when Pakistan will be recognized not as a nation that relies on borrowing, but as a prosperous and sovereign country that supplies the world with valuable minerals essential for energy and modern technology.Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum was formally inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Diplomats of various countries, international financial institutions and representatives of international mining companies also participated in the inaugural session. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister Azad Kashmir and Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chief Ministers of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan also participated in the opening ceremony. This forum is being organized in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). According to the website of Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, the purpose of the forum is to give Pakistan a leading position in the global mineral and mining economic markets and to utilize the vast mineral resources of the country for sustainable development, economic transformation and stability of the global supply chain. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum, Ishaq Dar said that the vision of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is to establish an economy that is based on productivity, exports and investment. The Deputy Prime Minister said that Balochistan is of central importance in the mineral future of Pakistan and the government is determined to ensure that the development of the natural resources of the province will bring real benefits to the economy and the welfare of the people there. Ishaq Dar said that the government’s mineral development plan is not limited to Balochistan but also includes the utilization of the potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the mineral-rich northern regions, Punjab and Sindh. To develop capacity for processing, refining and production of value added industrial products.

The participation of more than 60 countries in the forum reflects the growing global interest in Pakistan’s mineral resources and confidence in its determination to build long-lasting partnerships in the sector. US Ambassador-designate to Pakistan Natalie Baker has described Pakistan as a big market for business and investment, saying that there are vast investment opportunities in the country’s important minerals and mining sector. Natalie Baker hailed the organization of the third annual event under the auspices of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, saying that the size of the forum has doubled compared to last year. Pakistan is making its mark globally and the country is establishing itself as a major market for business. According to him, there are vast opportunities for investors in the important minerals and mining sector in Pakistan. The nominated American ambassador expressed his good wishes regarding the investment forum and expressed hope that good news and important announcements regarding investment will come out through this event. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while addressing the event said that during the last two and a half years, the income received from the provincial mineral department has increased to 40 billion rupees.

He said that there are deposits of placer gold (particles of gold in river sand) in the rivers of Punjab and surveys and studies are being done to determine their quantity. He also termed the value addition of pink salt as an important source of revenue growth and said that more economic benefits can be obtained from further appreciation in this sector.

Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also addressed the forum and highlighted the potential of mineral resources, facilities for investors and investment opportunities. Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti said that another security division has been established to protect the mineral corridor in the province so as to provide a safe environment to the investors.