At the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that mineral resources in Pakistan could help the country break free from IMF dependency. Speaking at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, the premier emphasized that unlocking the full potential of the nation’s natural wealth could pave the way to sustainable economic independence.
Rich Resources, Stronger Future
Highlighting the country’s vast untapped reserves, the prime minister said that from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, every region holds valuable mineral deposits. With trillions of dollars’ worth of resources beneath its soil, Pakistan, he stressed, can shift from borrowing to building.
“The progress on the Reko Diq project is a sign of our potential,” Shehbaz said. “If we use our mineral wealth wisely, we can not only eliminate our debt but also create jobs and drive long-term development.”
Creating Jobs and Exporting Value
PM Shehbaz underlined that the mining sector in Balochistan, in particular, offers a path to economic growth through job creation and industrial development. He urged investors to focus on producing value-added goods rather than exporting raw materials.
“Exporting finished products will boost revenues and reduce dependence on imports,” he noted, adding that using local coal instead of imported coal is already helping conserve foreign exchange.
He also encouraged both public and private sectors to invest in technical education for the youth. “We will promote skill development in mining and related industries. Investors must help equip our youth with the training needed to support this transformation.”
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A Global Investment Magnet
The forum saw active participation from global delegations, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, Europe, Finland, and the Asian Development Bank. Multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and foreign companies, signaling renewed international interest in the country’s mining potential.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the event. He stressed that Pakistan’s reserves of gold, copper, and other minerals can fuel sustainable growth. “This is a pivotal moment for our economy. We need major investments to unlock this potential,” he said.
Dar added that international confidence in Pakistan’s economy is growing, and with the right strategy, mineral extraction can become a backbone of national progress.
High-Level Support and Sectoral Commitment
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and senior officials from key nations also attended the forum. U.S. representative Eric Meyer and leaders from Saudi gold and development organizations showed keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal said Balochistan is central to Pakistan’s mineral economy. “Foreign participation in the forum reflects growing trust in our market,” he stated.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik echoed this optimism. He emphasized the government’s determination to fully utilize the country’s natural assets and make legal frameworks more investor-friendly.
“The goal is to simplify processes and ensure Pakistan becomes a hub for mineral investment,” he concluded.
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