The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) has entered a transformative new phase on its concluding day in Islamabad, marked by significant international collaboration and concrete investment commitments. Bringing together key stakeholders from both the national and global mining and minerals sectors, the forum has delivered announcements that promise to redefine Pakistan’s mineral resource strategy.
Key Announcements and Strategic Initiatives
- Landmark Geological Survey Collaboration:
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalized a groundbreaking agreement to jointly conduct comprehensive geological surveys. This partnership leverages Saudi Arabia’s advanced technical expertise alongside Pakistan’s rich mineral deposits to provide an accurate and sustainable mapping of the country’s resource potential. - Strong US Investment Interest:
Several US companies have shown robust interest in entering Pakistan’s mineral sector, which government estimates to be worth trillions of
dollars. This international engagement underscores the growing confidence in Pakistan’s resource base and its attractive investment environment. - Launch of Natiolnal Minerals Harmonization Framework 2025:
To further promote transparency and investor confidence, the federal government is set to introduce the National Minerals Harmonization Framework 2025. This initiative will standardize regulations, streamline approval processes, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable investment across the mineral sector. - Strategic Shift to Value-Added Processing:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the crucial need for Pakistan to move beyond raw extraction by focusing on value-added processing. This strategic initiative will help transform the industry by boosting domestic value chains and expanding the export of finished and semi-finished mineral products. - Major Agreements and MoUs Signed:
In a series of definitive moves during the forum’s final day, several major investment agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and international partners. These formalized accords mark the transition from strategic declarations to actionable projects, reinforcing commitments to long-term collaboration and practical investment. For example, a notable MoU was signed between the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) and a US-based investor, demonstrating significant foreign direct investment interest. - Reducing Dependence on Global Financial Institutions:
Pakistan is leveraging its substantial mineral resources to decrease its historical reliance on global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This strategy is geared toward achieving fiscal autonomy and sustainable economic growth through enhanced mineral revenues. - Participation of Key Industry Stakeholders:
Prominent industry players—such as Barrick Gold, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL), Pakistan Minerals Private Limited (PMPL), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), Mari Energies, and Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC)—played a pivotal role at PMIF25. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) also contributed significantly by streamlining processes to attract and expedite foreign investment. - Upcoming US Delegation Visit:
A US interagency delegation is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad next week. Their visit is anticipated to further deepen discussions on trade and investment, bolstering the growing international momentum behind Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Looking Ahead
The dynamic developments on the final day of PMIF25 mark a decisive turning point in Pakistan’s mineral development strategy. With international partnerships now solidified by signed MoUs, investor-friendly policy initiatives, and a renewed focus on value-added processing, Pakistan is poised to emerge as a global leader in the sustainable management and development of its mineral resources.
