ISLAMABAD: At the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, provincial governments invited global investors to invest in the country’s mineral sector and assured them of full support.
The forum was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre and attended by local and international investors. More than 5,000 delegates from over 50 countries took part.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi attended. AJK Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Gilani and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain were also present.
KP to Offer One-Window Operation: Kundi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi urged investors to invest in mineral exploration in the province.
Welcoming all investors, he said providing security to them is the top priority, and they will be offered a one-window operation. He said KP wants to promote mining and is the country’s second-largest gas-producing province.
Evidence of Gold in Punjab’s Rivers: Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the forum is important for the development of the mineral sector, adding that Pakistan is rich in natural resources with immense potential.
She said naturally flowing pure gold exists in Punjab’s rivers, and the province also has reserves of coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt.
Surveys are under way to determine the quantity of gold, and evidence of abundant gold reserves has been found, she said. River sand and gravel also contain other valuable minerals and metals.
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab wants to turn its natural resources into shared wealth and prosperity, is seeking commercial partnerships, and is offering land for business at low rates.
Vast Investment Potential in Thar: Murad Ali Shah
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the province is pursuing growth through energy and industry, and the private sector is being brought forward in mining.
He said Thar’s coal reserves are among the world’s sixth largest and offer vast investment opportunities. Sindh is developing an effective mining framework and enabling technology transfer through global investment, he added.
Investors’ Security Will Be Ensured: Sarfraz Bugti
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the province is rich in minerals and also offers opportunities in oil and gas exploration.
He said the government is providing every facility to investors, ensuring their security and creating a favourable environment. A separate security division has been set up for the mineral corridor, and today’s Balochistan is different from the past, he said.
Connectivity a Major Challenge in GB: Amjad Hussain
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Syed Amjad Hussain said GB offers wide opportunities in exploring precious metals and stones, but connectivity remains a major challenge.
Cement, Coal and Bauxite Offer Opportunities: Iftikhar Gilani
Prime Minister Azad Jammu & Kashmir Syed Iftikhar Gilani said the region has large ruby reserves, along with granite, tourmaline and topaz, and vast potential in cement, coal and bauxite.
He said AJK’s mineral laws are being aligned with those in the rest of the country to provide uniform rules and opportunities for investors.