Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar opens Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum

Forum brings global investors together

The two-day event gathered participants from more than 60 countries to discuss investment opportunities. Dar stated that restoring investor confidence remains a priority for federal and provincial governments. He emphasized efforts to strengthen international partnerships while promoting trade and information technology sectors. Provincial leaders outlined specific mineral opportunities available across different regions of the country.

Leaders highlight regional resources

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted the province holds coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt reserves. She mentioned the government offers land at affordable rates and provides low-cost loans for businesses. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted Thar coal as the world's sixth-largest reserve. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti invited investors to explore oil and gas exploration opportunities in the province.

Goal extends beyond raw exports

Dar said Pakistan aims to process and refine minerals domestically rather than just exporting raw materials. He indicated that copper and gold reserves exist within the western Tethyan Metallogenic Belt. The Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan serves as an example of major long-term investment. The project features collaboration among Barrick Gold, federal state-owned enterprises, and the Balochistan government.