ISLAMABAD: Federal and provincial leaders opened the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 on Thursday, promoting mining opportunities to international investors at the two-day event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said restoring investor confidence remained a priority for the federal and provincial governments.
Dar linked mineral development to economic growth, foreign investment and stronger international partnerships. He also described Balochistan as the future of Pakistan’s mining sector.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti invited local and foreign companies to explore minerals, oil and gas. He assured investors that the provincial government was making security arrangements for them.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz outlined incentives for businesses interested in the province. She said Punjab was offering affordable land and low-cost loans. The provincial government had also digitised its mining lease process.
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Maryam pointed to coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt as investment opportunities. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah described Thar coal as the world’s sixth-largest coal reserve.
He said Sindh was developing a mining framework to attract private investors and encourage technology transfer. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi placed investor security at the centre of his province’s plans.
“Our biggest priority is to provide security to investors,” Kundi said. He added that the province would offer a one-window facility to support incoming businesses.
Leaders from Azad Jammu and Kashmir invited investment in precious stones and other minerals. Gilgit-Baltistan’s chief minister also promoted mineral exploration but identified poor connectivity as a challenge.
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Before the forum, the petroleum minister’s team briefed Dar on diplomatic outreach and arrangements for visiting foreign delegations.
The preparatory meeting included Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa and senior ministry officials. The forum continues on Friday, November 13.
