ISLAMABAD: Foreign investors have shown strong interest in Pakistan’s mineral projects at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
Islamabad has become a focal point for global investors, with strong participation continuing on the second day of the forum. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir are also attending.
In their addresses, foreign delegates expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s mineral projects.
Addressing the forum, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said road connectivity is being expanded to develop the mineral sector, and infrastructure between Chagai and Gwadar is under construction.
He said the government is promoting public-private partnership in the mineral sector, which will give new momentum to its growth. The road network is being strengthened for easier access to mineral resources, and the private sector is being offered facilities to invest.
Malik said the focus is on digital mapping of the mineral sector, which will help accurately identify mineral resources.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said Pakistan’s mineral sector offers immense investment opportunities and the government is providing every possible facility to investors.
He said details of trade links with more than 90 countries are available on an online portal, and new businesses and SMEs can benefit from tariff concessions under preferential trade agreements.
Through the portal, importers can check HS codes and available duty concessions. He said tariff cuts and easier duty structures will lower the cost of importing technology and products, giving Pakistani businesses a competitive edge.
Jam Kamal said critical minerals are a basic requirement for modern technology, including AI, power generation, data centres and renewable energy. Solar panels, jet engines, and the defence and medical sectors also depend on them.
He stressed cooperation among stakeholders, noting that mining, smelting, processing and value addition are distinct stages. To extract rare earth elements, work must be done across the entire value chain, he added.