ISLAMABAD: Pakistan highlighted its vast mineral potential and commitment to investor-friendly reforms this week at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, where Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik outlined opportunities for global partnerships in the country’s mining and minerals sector.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Malik said Pakistan was emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for mineral investment, citing growing international interest.
During the same session, CNN anchor Eleni Giokos observed that the world appeared to be “knocking at Pakistan’s door to secure minerals,” according to an official statement from the Ministry of Energy.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s focus on reforms aimed at easing entry for foreign investors.
He said Pakistan was working on “simplifying the regulatory environment and harmonizing the mineral sector framework” to unlock the sector’s full potential, while offering “significant opportunities for global partnerships.”
Malik also invited international stakeholders to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled for April, describing it as a platform for investment, collaboration and policy dialogue.
On the sidelines of the forum, the minister held a series of high-level bilateral meetings, including talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across the energy spectrum, including petroleum supply, renewable energy, energy efficiency and broader investment opportunities.
Pakistan’s presence at FMF was further reinforced through its national pavilion, titled “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel.” The pavilion featured live demonstrations of the National Minerals Data Center (NMDC), a digital platform aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s mineral sector.
In addition, Pakistan hosted a 90-minute country showcase session on its mineral resources, which attracted a full audience. Addressing participants, Malik said, “Pakistan is open for business and the Government of Pakistan stands firmly behind investors.”
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Reko Diq, describing it not merely as a mining project but a benchmark that would “set new standards for mining.”
He added that the theme of the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum would be “Beyond Reko Diq.”
Pakistan’s active engagement at the Future Minerals Forum underscored the government’s push for responsible mineral development, international cooperation and investment-led growth.
