Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 kicked off in Islamabad on Thursday, with Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar saying that building investor confidence remained a key focus for both federal and provincial governments, Geo News has reported.
Speaking at the two-day long event, Dar said that the government was focusing on expanding investment, trade and information technology while working to build stronger international partnerships.
He added that Pakistan had made considerable progress towards macroeconomic stability and highlighted the investment potential of the country’s minerals and mining sectors.
Dar said that Pakistan has a wide range of mineral resources that offer opportunities for international investors. He also pointed to the potential of battery storage systems and electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions, describing Balochistan as the future of Pakistan’s minerals sector.
Provincial leaders also addressed the forum, outlining their regions’ mineral resources and plans to attract local and foreign investment.
Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab Maryam Nawaz said that the event could contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s minerals sector, adding that the country had considerable potential in the field.
She highlighted Punjab’s coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt reserves and said the provincial government was offering land at affordable rates and low-interest loans to support businesses.
Maryam also referred to improvements in Punjab’s road network and the digitisation of the mining lease process.
Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted investment opportunities in the province’s mineral, energy and industrial sectors. He said Thar coal represented the world’s sixth-largest coal reserve and offered opportunities for investors.
“Thar coal has considerable potential for investors,” Shah said, adding that Sindh had several types of mineral resources.
He said that the provincial government was working on a framework to regulate mining activities and encourage private-sector investment. Shah also welcomed international investors and highlighted the role of foreign investment in facilitating technology transfer.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that ensuring investor security was the government’s foremost concern. He added that investors would be provided with a one-window facility and invited them to explore the province’s mineral resources. Kundi also noted that KP was Pakistan’s second-largest gas-producing province.
Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti invited local and international investors to explore opportunities in mining, minerals and oil and gas exploration. He assured participants that security arrangements were being made for investors.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister (PM) Iftikhar Gilani also invited international investors to explore the region’s natural resources, including precious stones and other minerals.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) CM Syed Amjad Hussain highlighted opportunities in precious metals and gemstones but identified connectivity as a major challenge for investment in the region.
