ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) opened in Islamabad on Tuesday with an ambitious pledge to unlock the country’s untapped mineral wealth and transform Pakistan into a globally competitive mining hub.
The two-day forum, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, brings together over 2,000 participants, including 300 international delegates from countries such as the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, and Kenya. The event aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and foster long-term partnerships by showcasing Pakistan’s immense mineral potential and its strategic advantages in the global resource market.
In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s unique geological endowment, citing it as a cornerstone of the country's future economic transformation. “Pakistan is strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse,” Dar stated. “We possess vast, underutilised mineral resources that can redefine our economic trajectory.”
He highlighted the presence of world-class mineral deposits including the copper and gold-rich Reko Diq, rare earth elements, industrial minerals, and high-value gemstones such as peridot and emerald. To accelerate sectoral reforms and investor facilitation, Dar also unveiled the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025—an integrated policy roadmap aimed at aligning federal and provincial regulations, streamlining licensing processes, and enhancing transparency in the sector.
“The mineral sector currently contributes just 3.2% to our GDP, but it holds the potential to multiply that figure several times over,” Dar said. “Through this framework, we aim to build a robust ecosystem that supports all stakeholders—from exploration to export—while ensuring environmental and social safeguards.”
The forum is jointly supported by federal and provincial governments and features strong institutional backing, evidenced by the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. Their attendance underscored the government’s commitment to driving sustainable development through mineral sector reform.
In a significant display of international interest, several high-level foreign representatives attended the forum. The United States delegation was led by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, who reaffirmed Washington’s interest in transparent and responsible mining cooperation. Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Minerals also participated, expressing Riyadh’s willingness to explore strategic partnerships in mining and downstream industries.
Industry panels and investment sessions throughout the forum will focus on topics such as sustainable mining practices, digital transformation, critical minerals security, and regional connectivity for resource logistics.
With vast untapped potential and growing international interest, PMIF25 is expected to lay the groundwork for a new chapter in Pakistan’s economic development—one built on responsible mining, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
