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PM Shehbaz: Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth Can End IMF Dependence
PM Shehbaz says Pakistan's $trillion mineral reserves could end IMF reliance. PMIF25 opens doors for global investment in mining.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-08
PM Shehbaz: Pakistan’s Mineral Wealth Can End IMF Dependence

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), stated that if Pakistan successfully harnessed its mineral wealth — estimated at trillions of dollars — it could eliminate the need for international financial assistance, including from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The high-profile two-day forum, held at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre, gathered around 300 foreign delegates and stakeholders to explore Pakistan’s emerging potential in the mining and minerals sector. The government aims to present a unified investment framework that spans all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vast but underutilized mineral reserves, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of adding value to raw materials within the country. “We will no longer allow raw materials to be shipped out of Pakistan,” he said. “From now, any mining license will require downstream processing, manufacturing of finished goods, and then export.”

He added that future agreements must ensure technology transfer to Pakistan and emphasized the principle of mutual benefit between the government and investors. “This will be the cardinal principle of our partnership,” he affirmed.

“If we are able to put our act together … we can turn the corner within no time,” the prime minister said, calling on all sectors of the government and military to unite in this effort.

Dar: Pakistan Can Be a Global Mining Powerhouse

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his opening remarks, stated that Pakistan is strategically poised to become a global mining leader. He cited examples like the Reko Diq project and deposits of rare earth elements, industrial minerals, gemstones, and non-metallic resources.

“With this vast untapped mineral potential, Pakistan’s resource corridor is poised to reshape global supply chains and attract foreign direct investment,” he said. Dar also emphasized ongoing policy reforms aimed at creating an investor-friendly ecosystem.

Commerce Minister Kamal: Pakistan is the Future of Mineral Investment

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal echoed similar sentiments during a discussion session, stating that Pakistan’s rich resource base will undoubtedly draw both domestic and international investors. “Our mineral resources are potentially so high that they will attract a lot of interest,” he said.

Major Discovery in Chagai by NRL

In a major development shared during the forum, National Resources Limited (NRL) — a privately-owned Pakistani company — announced the discovery of significant copper-gold mineralisation in Balochistan’s Chagai district.

NRL Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba revealed that the company had completed over 3,500 meters of drilling, identifying substantial porphyry-style mineral formations. The firm’s Tang Kaur site is now progressing to advanced drilling in May 2025, with an internationally recognized technical report expected by year-end.

NRL is currently exploring 18 prospects and has a local employment ratio of over 90%. The company is also collaborating with the Balochistan government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to secure additional exploration licenses, backed by a $100 million fund.

The forum marks a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to tap into its mineral wealth and pivot toward economic self-reliance through resource-based development.

 
Tagged:

ShehbazSharif

PMIF25

PakistanMinerals

MiningPakistan

ChagaiDiscovery
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