Islamabad, April 08: Pakistan is preparing to welcome approximately 300 international delegates for the two-day Minerals Investment Forum 2025, where it will introduce a comprehensive national framework aimed at streamlining and boosting investment in the country’s mining and mineral sector across all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Addressing a press conference organized by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that the event, scheduled for April 8-9, would feature the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and investment agreements.
He noted that high-level delegations from China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan will be present, along with senior government officials.
US Delegation
The US delegation, in particular, is expected to include representatives from the State Department, Geological Survey, and Exim Bank, while companies from Denmark, Finland, Kenya, and the United Kingdom are also slated to participate.
Pakistan aims to leverage this platform to highlight its rare earth metals and precious mineral reserves and advocate for responsible and sustainable mining practices.
“Despite being part of the mineral-rich Tethyan Belt, Pakistan’s mining sector contributes less than one percent to GDP,” Malik said, emphasizing the untapped potential.
He projected a total attendance of around 2,000 participants, noting that the event will not only host policy dialogues but also formalize investment commitments.
One of the primary challenges for international investors, the minister explained, had been the fragmented regulatory landscape.
Previously, investors had to navigate six different policies, eight legislative acts, and 36 variations of rules across federal and provincial jurisdictions.
However, this disjointed system has now been consolidated into a harmonised national framework, developed through extensive collaboration.
The unified policy structure, formulated by a global consultancy firm in collaboration with a US-based partner, includes attractive fiscal incentives.
Global Experiences
The design draws lessons from global success stories such as Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and British Columbia.
“This harmonised framework will be officially launched during the forum,” Malik stated.
He also shared that training programmes would be introduced in collaboration with international firms to provide both technical expertise and financial support, including equipment supply agreements.
Furthermore, Malik announced that new mining blocks adjacent to the Reko Diq deposit would be offered for auction, opening additional investment opportunities.
When asked whether the central government was encroaching upon provincial jurisdictions, Malik dismissed the notion. “We are not taking control of any province’s resources.
The ownership, royalties, and associated rights remain with the provinces,” he clarified.
He added that the initiative is a collaborative effort, supported by the federal government and Pakistan’s armed forces, intended to foster national progress.
Chief Ministers of Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab have been invited and are expected to attend the forum. Due to prior commitments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will be represented by his adviser on finance, Muzammil Aslam.
Focus Balochistan
Given the Tethyan Belt’s rich resource base in Balochistan, a number of local leaders and students from the province will also be participating to promote environmentally conscious and community-driven mining.
Ahmad Hayat Luk, Managing Director of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) — the firm organising the forum — said the event is intended to become an annual gathering.
He also announced that this year’s forum would mark the official launch of the feasibility study for the Reko Diq project, described as the largest undeveloped mining site in the world.
Luk noted that the development of Reko Diq would act as a catalyst for international interest in surrounding mineral-rich areas, opening up new frontiers for foreign investment.
