The two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF-25) on Tuesday (today) at the Jinnah Convention Centre, to enhance foreign investment in the nation’s mineral sector with 300 investors from all around the world.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff are also expected to speak at the forum.

They will emphasise the government’s and military leadership’s commitment to the mineral sector as a key driver for economic revival.

Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Finland, the United States, Europe, and other countries are participating in the forum.

The forum, organised with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), features three main sessions on its first day, with an extensive Reko Diq-focused session scheduled for April 9.

High-level attendees on the opening day include Azerbaijan Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Saudi Deputy Minister of Industry Abdullah Alenezi.

Wood Mackenzie Vice Chairman Julian Kettle, presented insights on global commodity trends and Pakistan’s role in the market, while Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow discussed the future of mining in Pakistan and Reko Diq’s development.

Prominent figures such as Zijin Mining Vice President Shen Shaoyang, International Holdings Company (PJSC) Managing Director and Board Member Syed Basar Shueb, and Lucky Cement CEO Muhammad Ali Tabba will take part in panels discussing Pakistan’s mineral growth. Tabba and the FWO DG Exploration will also deliver briefing sessions.

Key discussions will include the importance of geological mapping in emerging economies, with insights from CEO Saudi Geological Survey‏ Abdullah Al Shamrani and international experts Bernd Tegeler, Dr. Wang Hongliang, Dr. Paul, and Dr. Peter Zawada.

The panel on Reko Diq’s progress will include Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC)’s Deputy Project Director, Isak Mare, Weir Minerals Manager JD Singleton, and Barrick Gold Senior Vice President, Tax and Treasury, James Ferguson.

Dr. Hamid Ashraf, Vel Jaber, and experts from McKinsey & Company and White & Case LLP will engage in a panel discussion on national mineral policy, focusing on investment, law, and reforms.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that the mountains of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir hold trillions of dollars in mineral reserves, which could help Pakistan free itself from debt.

He welcomed all delegates and congratulated the organizers on the successful event, emphasizing that the forum would boost investment in the minerals sector and enhance investor confidence.

“Sindh and Punjab have fertile land and can help to progress on the Reko Diq project,” he said.

He further stated that the country’s mineral reserves are worth trillions of dollars and that utilizing these resources could liberate Pakistan from its debt burden.

“Mining in Balochistan would create employment opportunities, and investment in the minerals sector would be beneficial for all.”

The Prime Minister mentioned that Pakistan has some of the world’s largest coal reserves, and the Sindh government is working to utilize these resources.

He emphasized the need to promote exports by adding value to products, ensuring the export of finished goods rather than raw materials.

Sharif urged investors to focus on producing finished products, highlighting the necessity of technical training for the mining industry.

He called for enhanced government partnerships and encouraged investor companies to play a role in providing skills to the youth, stating that together, they could make Pakistan a great nation.

Barrick Gold CEO

In his speech at the forum, Bristow stated that Pakistan holds a unique position due to its mineral resources.

He emphasized that acquiring minerals is essential for industry and that mineral resources will be the future driver of development, playing a crucial role in the sustainable growth of any country.

Bristow noted that Reko Diq will play a key role in Pakistan’s economic development and will contribute to the prosperity of Balochistan.

Also, he also mentioned plans to initiate important projects for the local population, including hospitals, schools, and other facilities, and expressed a commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses in the area.

Ali Pervaiz Malik

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik addressed the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, welcoming the participants.

He stated that the forum aims to highlight opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Malik emphasized that government efforts have led to economic stability, an increase in foreign exchange, and a reduction in inflation, positioning the Pakistan Stock Exchange among the world’s leading markets.

He stated that “these achievements on the economic front are a result of the hard work of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team.”

The Minister noted that global institutions like Moody’s and Fitch recognize Pakistan’s economic performance.

He pointed out that Pakistan is rich in mineral resources, with significant deposits in Balochistan, as well as in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.

Malik mentioned that there are reserves of gold, precious stones, and other minerals in Azad Kashmir.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to utilizing these mineral resources, simplifying laws for investors, and emphasizing the need to capitalize on Pakistan’s mineral wealth.

He also stated that mining is a provincial sector, and comprehensive consultations are underway with the provinces.

Ishaq Darr

During the forum, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the importance of fully leveraging the country’s abundant mineral resources to achieve sustainable economic stability.

He said that Pakistan is stepping into a new era of economic development, and emphasized that sustainable economic stability can only be achieved through full utilization of its mineral resources.

“All key economic indicators are showing positive trends,” he noted, adding that international institutions also recognize Pakistan’s economic progress.

Dar highlighted the presence of vast gold and copper reserves, a large youth population, and stressed that increased investment is vital to unlocking the country’s mineral potential.

“I am hopeful this forum will pave the way for significant investment in Pakistan’s mining sector,” he said.

Jam Kamal

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan added that Balochistan is rich in mineral resources, and Pakistan offers immense investment opportunities in this sector.

“Foreign investors participating in the forum is a welcome sign,” he said.

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