ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited international mining companies and investors to explore its untapped natural resources as the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 opened in Islamabad on Thursday, bringing together government leaders, industry executives and delegates from more than 60 countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the opening session, said restoring investor confidence and strengthening international partnerships remained key priorities for the federal and provincial governments.
He highlighted Pakistan’s extensive mineral reserves, including copper, gold, iron ore, chromite, lead, zinc, coal, marble, rock salt and gemstones. Dar described Balochistan as a major opportunity for the country’s mining industry and encouraged foreign investors to explore its untapped resources.
He also pointed to growing global demand for minerals used in electric vehicles, battery storage and clean energy technologies, saying Pakistan could benefit from investment in these emerging sectors.
Provinces present investment opportunities
Provincial leaders used the forum to outline their respective regions’ resources and measures aimed at attracting private and international investment.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted the province’s reserves of coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt. She said the provincial government was offering affordable land and low-interest financing to businesses, while digitising mining lease procedures and improving road infrastructure.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted Thar coal and the province’s wider mineral and industrial potential. He said the government was developing a regulatory framework to encourage private-sector participation and bring international technology into the mining industry.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti invited domestic and foreign companies to explore opportunities in mining, oil and gas, assuring investors that security arrangements were being strengthened.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi identified investor protection as a priority and offered a one-window facility to simplify investment procedures. He also encouraged companies to explore the province’s mineral resources.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Ali Gilani invited international companies to explore opportunities in precious stones and other minerals, while Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Azar highlighted the region’s potential in precious metals and gemstones, identifying limited connectivity as a major obstacle.
The two-day forum, scheduled for November 12 and 13, aims to connect Pakistan’s mineral sector with international investors, promote partnerships and encourage investment in exploration, processing and mining infrastructure.
The initiative comes as Pakistan seeks to diversify its exports, attract foreign capital and increase the contribution of natural resources to economic growth.
