Country’s large mineral deposits can rid it of huge debt, says PM Shehbaz
Pakistan's two-day Minerals Investment Forum kicks off with star-studded global panels: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stresses need for maximum utilization of country's natural resources; Reko Diq, global mining giants spotlight at Pakistan Forum
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Asserting that Pakistan was rich in mineral resources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that these resources were worth billions of dollars and by utilizing them the country could get rid of its loans, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad, he said there were vast mineral reserves in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. “Similarly, Sindh and Punjab too are rich in mineral resources.”
The country, he added, had the largest coal reserves in the world.
He further said there were many opportunities for investment in the country’s mineral sector and the purpose of organising the Forum was to introduce investors to this sector.
The prime minister further said that progress on the Reko Diq project was encouraging.
Earlier speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the need for the maximum utilization of the mineral resources for the durable economic progress of the country.
“Pakistan is going to enter a new phase of economic development,” he said, adding, “All indicators are positive. International organisations too now acknowledge Pakistan’s economic development.”
Dar further said that Pakistan was rich in gold and copper. “What we require is more and more investment to make the most of these resources,” he said, and expressed the optimism that the Forum would help bring investment to the minerals sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior American Bureau official Eric Mayor said that President Donald Trump had emphasized making the future of the mineral sector of the USA safe and secure.
Addressing the Forum, he said he was pleased that he was attending the Forum.
“We convinced Pakistan to import the Soybean from the USA,” Eric said, adding that he was looking forward to working with Pakistan.
The two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 kicked off on Tuesday with a high-profile lineup, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, who will make special appearances on the opening day, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the event is being held with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The inaugural day of the forum will feature three key sessions. Among the prominent international participants are Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, US official Eric Myers, and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry Abdullah Al-Enezi.
Julian Kettle, Vice Chairman of Wood Mackenzie, will deliver a special presentation on global commodity trends and Pakistan's role in the mining sector.
Barrick Gold's CEO, Mark Bristow, is also scheduled to address the future of mining in Pakistan, with a major session on the Reko Diq project set for April 9.
The second day session (on Wednesday) will include updates and insights from global experts and project leads.
A high-level panel featuring Zijin Mining’s Vice President Shen Shaoyang, International Holdings Company’s (PJSC) Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb, and National Refinery Limited’s (NRL) Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba will discuss Pakistan’s mineral potential and investment opportunities.
Frontier Works Organisation's (FWO) Director General of Exploration and NRL's Muhammad Ali Tabba will also deliver a five-minute strategic briefing.
Saudi Geological Survey CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani, alongside international geoscientists, will explore the importance of geological mapping in emerging economies.
Experts including Bernd Tegeler, Dr Wang Hongliang, Dr Paul, and Dr Peter Zawada will share insights from international geological survey experiences.
A dedicated panel discussion on Reko Diq’s development will feature Isak Maree, Deputy Project Director of Reko Diq Mining Company; J.D. Singleton of Ware Minerals; and Barrick Gold’s James Ferguson.
Dr Hamid Ashraf, Will Jaber, representatives from Wood Mackenzie, and experts from White & Case will lead a policy-focused session exploring investment, legal frameworks, and reforms in Pakistan’s national mineral policy.