PM urges foreign investors to mine, process and manufacture in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday invited international investors to explore Pakistan’s vast mineral potential and establish processing and manufacturing industries in the country.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, he stressed the need to move beyond raw mineral exports towards value addition and industrial development.
“Mine in Pakistan, process in Pakistan, manufacture in Pakistan and then export to the rest of the world,” he said, outlining the government’s vision for the sector.
The prime minister said Pakistan wanted to establish refineries, smelters, cable and conductor factories and other industries to add value to its mineral resources.
Referring to the Reko Diq project, PM Shehbaz said one of the world’s largest untapped copper and gold deposits was being developed, with production expected to begin in 2028.
He said the project, which had remained stalled for nearly two decades, was now moving towards operational execution.
The prime minister appreciated Barrick’s continued confidence in Pakistan and cited a Goldman Sachs assessment that the country could become the world’s sixth-largest economy by 2075. He expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve the milestone before 2050.
On facilitating foreign investment, PM Shehbaz said investors expected a level playing field, transparent rules, swift decision-making, consistent policies and strong institutions.
He said the government was simplifying procedures, removing bureaucratic hurdles, reducing delays and ensuring transparency in the award of licences and contracts.
The National Mineral Data Cell and digitisation of geological records would also help investors assess the country’s mineral potential before committing funds, he added.
PM Shehbaz assured investors that the federal and provincial governments would work together to provide the necessary support. He said protecting investors’ personnel, assets and supply routes was a key government responsibility.
He also invited investors to bring directly to him any files held up due to bureaucratic delays or cumbersome procedures, assuring them that he would personally ensure their swift processing.
Highlighting Pakistan’s human resource potential, the prime minister said the country’s wealth lay not only in its mountains but also in its young population.
He described Pakistani youth as educated, resilient and courageous, with the potential to turn natural resources into national progress and prosperity.
He urged international investors to establish vocational training centres, facilitate technology transfer and promote local suppliers to develop a skilled workforce.
PM Shehbaz said mining investments must generate local jobs, business opportunities and contracts for local companies, while also improving access to schools, healthcare facilities and clean drinking water.
He stressed that communities living near mining sites should be among the main beneficiaries of mineral development.
The prime minister also emphasised that economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
He said Pakistan would pursue responsible mining in line with international standards, using modern technology while protecting water resources, workers’ health and safety, and the environment.
Reiterating the government’s support for investors, PM Shehbaz invited international business leaders to visit Pakistan, assuring them of full cooperation and hospitality.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan and its international partners could transform the country’s mineral wealth into industrial growth, mutually beneficial economic cooperation and shared prosperity.