PM hopeful to say goodbye to IMF using mineral resources

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum will lead to an increase in investment in the minerals sector and Pakistan can say goodbye to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by using mineral resources.

The two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 has begun in Islamabad to promote investment in the minerals sector, where delegations from the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Finland, and Turkey, including other countries, are participating.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir are participating in the investment forum. A high-level American delegation led by Eric Meyer is participating in the investment forum, the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh are also part of the event.

Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed all the delegates to Pakistan. He congratulated the organizers on the successful holding of the forum that will increase the confidence of investors. The forum will lead to an increase in investment in the minerals sector.

He said that the progress on the Reko Diq project is encouraging. Nature has enriched Pakistan with natural resources. There are mineral deposits in the mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, the lands of Sindh and Punjab are also rich in natural resources. Immense treasures of nature are also buried in Azad Kashmir and mining in Balochistan will create employment opportunities and socio-economic development.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan has mineral reserves worth trillions of dollars. By benefiting from mineral reserves, Pakistan can free itself from the clutches of debt, and the IMF can also be said goodbye.

The Prime Minister added that investment in the mineral sector is beneficial for everyone. Pakistan welcomes investors from the Gulf countries, China, Europe, America, and other regions. Pakistan has the world's largest coal reserves; the Sindh government is working hard to benefit from the coal reserves.

He further said that Pakistan is saving valuable foreign exchange by relying on local coal instead of imported coal. We have to promote exports by valorizing our products, and the export of finished products instead of raw materials will be ensured.

He also stated that he would ask investors to work on finished products, technical training is essential for the mining industry, partnerships will be promoted at the private sector and government level for technical training of the youth, and investment companies will play a role in providing skills to the youth.

Shehbaz Sharif continued to say that together we will make Pakistan a great country in the world, and convert the signed memorandums of understanding into agreements.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, said that mineral resources must be fully utilized for sustainable economic stability. Pakistan is entering a new era of economic growth. All economic indicators are positive. International organizations are also acknowledging Pakistan's economic growth.

He stated that Pakistan has large reserves of gold and copper. Pakistan is rich in natural resources. Maximum investment is required to utilize mineral resources. Most of Pakistan's population is young.

He added that it is hoped that the Minerals Investment Forum will pave the way for investment in the mineral sector.

Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal said that Balochistan is a province rich in mineral resources. There are immense investment opportunities in Pakistan's mineral sector. Investment is required to utilize mineral resources.

He said that the participation of foreign investors in the Minerals Investment Forum is welcome for us.

Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said that Pakistan welcomes the participants of the Minerals Investment Forum. The purpose of organizing the forum is to highlight the opportunities of Pakistan's mineral sector. The participation of foreign investors in the forum is a manifestation of confidence in Pakistan's mineral sector.

He stated that the government's efforts have made economic stability possible. Foreign exchange has increased and inflation has decreased. The Pakistan Stock Exchange has joined the best stock markets in the world. These achievements on the economic front are the result of the hard work of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team, international institutions like Moody's and Fitch have recognized Pakistan's economic performance.

He added that Pakistan is rich in mineral resources. Balochistan province has a prominent position in terms of mineral resources. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh have mineral resources, and Azad Kashmir has reserves of gold, precious stones, and other minerals. The government is committed to utilizing mineral resources.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik said that laws are being simplified for investors in Pakistan.

Speaking at the forum, CEO Barrick Gold Mark Bristow said that Pakistan has a unique position due to mineral resources. The acquisition of minerals is very important for the industry. Mineral resources are the source of development in the future and mineral reserves play an important role in the sustainable development of any country.

He said that Reko Diq will play a key role in the economic development of Pakistan. Reko Diq will lead to the development and prosperity of Balochistan.

Barrick Gold Mark Bristow further said that they will also launch important projects for the local population, are committed to providing hospitals, schools, and other facilities for the local population, and will also fully support the promotion of small businesses in the area.