ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated a strategic soft global marketingcampaign for the second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26),scheduled to take place in Islamabad on April 8 and 9. The move follows ahigh-level virtual briefing led by Federal Minister for Petroleum AliPervaiz Malik with the country’s ambassadors and high commissioners inmajor foreign capitals. The session aimed to mobilise internationalparticipation and position the event as a flagship platform for foreigndirect investment in the nation’s mineral and mining sector. Officialsemphasised that building on the success of the inaugural PMIF 2025, thisyear’s forum seeks to unlock significant economic opportunities throughenhanced global engagement and policy reforms.
The diplomatic outreach represents a critical step in aligning Pakistan’sforeign missions with national economic priorities. During the briefing,Minister Malik outlined the vision, scale and strategic importance ofPMIF26, describing it as a national priority to promote mining awareness,stimulate economic activity and attract sustainable investments. ThePetroleum Division highlighted that the forum will feature a StrategicConference for high-level dialogues, a Technical Conference invitingresearch papers from experts, an International Exhibition and dedicatedsessions on gemstones. Such components are designed to facilitatepartnerships, showcase reforms and connect global capital with Pakistan’sresource-rich landscape.
Pakistan’s mineral sector holds immense promise, with estimates suggestingvast untapped reserves across the country. Key deposits include copper,gold, lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, concentrated particularly inregions like Balochistan. The Reko Diq project stands out as one of theworld’s largest undeveloped copper-gold mines, with proven reserves ofapproximately 5.9 billion tonnes of ore containing millions of tonnes ofcopper and tens of millions of ounces of gold. Industry analyses projectthat when fully operational, Reko Diq could generate substantial free cashflow over decades, potentially contributing billions to the nationaleconomy through exports and job creation.
Beyond Reko Diq, Pakistan possesses significant gemstone reserves valued ataround $450 billion, encompassing varieties such as emerald, peridot, ruby,topaz and aquamarine. However, current annual exports remain minimal atapproximately $5.8 million due to challenges like inadequate certification,limited processing capacity and regulatory fragmentation. The governmenthas introduced reforms, including the first national policy framework forgemstones, aiming to align standards internationally and target $1 billionin exports within five years. These initiatives underscore the forum’s rolein encouraging private sector involvement, particularly from youngentrepreneurs, to modernise the industry.
The PMIF26 preparations reflect broader efforts to position Pakistan as anattractive destination for mining investments amid global demand forcritical minerals. With over 40 countries expected to participate and plansfor numerous panel discussions and agreements, the event builds on previousengagements. Recent international participation, such as at the FutureMinerals Forum in Riyadh, has already paved the way for potentialpartnerships and technology transfers. The government’s focus ontransparency, institutional capacity building and sustainable practicesaims to address investor concerns and transform the sector’s contributionto GDP, currently limited despite the resource potential.
Experts note that successful execution of such forums could accelerateexploration and development in under-mapped areas, particularly inBalochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. While optimisticvaluations of mineral wealth reach trillions of dollars, realisticassessments emphasise the need for credible geological surveys and moderninfrastructure. PMIF26 is poised to bridge these gaps by fosteringcollaborations that drive informed investments and long-term growth in themining domain.
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The diplomatic briefing underscores Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging itsmineral assets for economic revival. As preparations advance, the forum’ssuccess will depend on robust international turnout and tangible outcomesin the form of investment commitments. This initiative signals a pivotalmoment in Pakistan’s journey toward harnessing its subterranean wealth forsustainable development and global economic integration.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1966130
Tags: Pakistan, PMIF26, Reko Diq, Petroleum Division, Mineral Investment
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