Pakistan Unveils Ambitious Mineral Development Strategy at Investment Forum
Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined a transformative vision for Pakistan’s mineral sector during his keynote address at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), emphasizing the nation’s potential to achieve economic self-reliance through strategic resource development.
Key Highlights from PMIF25
1. Value-Addition Policy Framework
- Domestic Processing Mandate: New regulations will require investors to establish local processing facilities rather than exporting raw materials
- Technology Transfer: Foreign partners must commit to knowledge-sharing with Pakistani counterparts
- Finished Goods Export: Priority on exporting value-added products to maximize economic returns
2. Nationwide Mineral Potential
The forum showcased investment opportunities across:
- Four provinces
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
3. Strategic Resource Estimates
- Reko Diq copper-gold project (world-class deposit)
- Chagai district discoveries (new copper-gold mineralization)
- Rare earth elements and gemstone reserves
Government Commitments
Prime Minister’s Vision
“We must transition from resource extraction to industrial development. Our mineral wealth, valued in trillions, can liberate Pakistan from debt cycles if managed strategically,” stated PM Shehbaz Sharif.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s Remarks
- Positioned Pakistan as an emerging mining hub
- Highlighted progressive policy reforms to attract foreign investment
- Emphasized public-private partnerships for sector growth
New Discoveries & Developments
Chagai District Exploration
National Resources Limited (NRL) reported:
- 18 newly identified mineral prospects
- 3,517 meters of exploratory drilling completed
- Advanced drilling program scheduled for May 2025
Employment & Community Impact
- Current workforce: 90% local hiring
- $100 million exploration fund established
- Collaboration with Balochistan government on regional development
Strategic Economic Implications
Potential Benefits
- Reduced reliance on international financial institutions
- Job creation across technical and industrial sectors
- Development of allied industries (smelting, manufacturing)
Implementation Timeline
- Policy framework finalization: 2025
- Major project commissioning: 2026-2028
- Full-scale production targets: 2030 onward
The forum represents a pivotal step in Pakistan’s economic strategy, aligning resource development with long-term industrial growth objectives. Stakeholders anticipate detailed implementation plans to follow the conclusion of PMIF25 proceedings.
Next Steps
- Finalization of investment agreements
- Regulatory framework refinement
- Infrastructure development planning
For ongoing updates on Pakistan’s mineral sector development, follow official government communications and industry reports.
