Dar Highlights Unity, Foreign Interest in Minerals Sector

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad reflects growing foreign interest in the country’s mineral resources. Chief ministers and senior officials from across the country invited domestic and international investors to explore opportunities.

Dar’s Address

Welcoming international delegates, Dar said the strong participation shows global investors’ long-term interest in Pakistan’s mineral wealth. He also praised the common position shared by political leaders from across the country on developing the sector.

Balochistan

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti invited investors to minerals, oil and gas projects. He said a dedicated security division has been set up for the Mineral Corridor and a new Frontier Corps wing is being formed. A one-window system will handle project approvals. He pointed to the Reko Diq project, where work is expected to begin by 2029. He also said the oil and gas reserves at Saruna exceed those of Sui.

Sindh

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called minerals a priority sector and stressed the need for environmental protection. He said Thar holds the world’s sixth-largest coal reserves, identified in a 1991 survey. He added that 27 other minerals have been identified in Sindh, with preliminary assessments completed.

Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Gilani described the region as peaceful and rich in resources, saying the government is offering investors facilities. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain highlighted the region’s exploration potential. He said a dedicated portal provides services, including mineral exploration licences.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said the provincial authorities are taking action to regulate mining activity in the province.