ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan’s economy is on a path of growth and transformation with renewed confidence, and that Pakistan will join the world’s major economies even before 2050, God willing.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, PM Shehbaz welcomed global investors and distinguished guests attending the conference.
He thanked Barrick for maintaining its confidence in Pakistan.
The prime minister noted Goldman Sachs’ forecast that Pakistan could become the world’s sixth-largest economy by 2075, adding that Pakistan will be among the major economies even before 2050.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan must stop sending its precious mineral resources abroad in raw form. These resources will be used for domestic industries, and the day is not far when they will feed the country’s downstream industry, he said.
He said Pakistan does not want to just extract minerals and send them abroad, but to extract, process and manufacture them at home before exporting. The journey is difficult, but the government is determined, he added.
The prime minister said Reko Diq is one of the world’s largest untapped copper and gold deposits, and the project, stalled for two decades, is now moving towards completion and the operational phase.
He credited the Field Marshal and his team with a key role in placing the mineral agenda at the centre of the economic vision.
PM Shehbaz said the benefits of mineral investment must reach local communities through education, health and better living standards.
He said fair and equitable partnerships benefit both Pakistan and investors, and assured investors of a level playing field and policy continuity.
The prime minister said procedures are being simplified to meet investors’ expectations, and full transparency will be ensured in issuing licences and agreements. He said federal and provincial governments will work together to develop the mineral sector.