The minister shared exciting news—plans are in motion to roll out a single, clear set of rules for the mining industry. The goal is to simplify things and increase transparency, which will allow both local businesses and foreign investors to feel confident and eager to get involved.
- We’re expecting around 2,000 people to show up at the event—should be a great crowd!
- There’s also going to be some important agreements and MoUs signed, adding even more value to the day.
- The OGDCL MD announced that PMIF25 will now be an annual event to look forward to.
The Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) officially opened its doors today (Tuesday) in Islamabad, drawing an expected crowd of around 2,000 attendees. This event is set to shine a spotlight on the country’s rich mineral wealth and underscore the exciting opportunities it holds for potential investors.
Between April 8 and 9, the govt will shine a light on Pakistan mineral resources, covering a staggering 600,000 sq-km of land.
The event will unite 300 representatives from around the world, creating a truly international atmosphere. Attendees will include officials from countries like Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and China, along with key players from the US State Department and the US Exim Bank.
Leaders from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will also attend, joined by CEOs of major mining companies from countries like Denmark, Kenya, Finland, and the UK. This gathering is expected to result in the signing of multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), opening doors for new collaborations and partnerships.
On Monday, Ali Pervaiz Malik, the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, announced the upcoming launch of a unified mining regulatory framework. This initiative is designed to streamline regulations and offer incentives for value addition, aiming to attract both domestic and international investors to Pakistan’s mining sector.
In a recent press conference, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, alongside Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Director of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), emphasized the vital need for responsible mining practices. They spoke about the importance of ensuring environmental protection and safeguarding the health and safety of local communities and workers involved in mining.
Malik highlighted the challenges investors face due to the current fragmented system, noting that a mix of six provincial policies, eight Acts, and 36 different sets of rules regulate the mineral sector. This lack of consistency creates confusion and makes it difficult for investors to navigate the sector.
The Managing Director of OGDCL mentioned that PMIF25 is set to become a yearly event, with plans to expand its reach and impact as it grows each year.
One of the standout moments of the forum will be the exciting launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 by the federal government. This new framework is set to play a crucial role in encouraging investment in the mineral sector, opening up fresh opportunities for growth and development.
It’s a step forward in making the sector more appealing to investors and driving progress in the industry.
The forum will begin with a key policy speech by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, setting the tone for the event. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir will also address the gathering, adding further significance to the occasion.
A distinguished group of speakers will actively contribute to the forum’s discussions, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, each sharing valuable insights from their respective fields.
Eric Meyer, the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, will represent the United States and focus strategically on advancing American interests in the mineral sector.
A distinguished group of global investors and industry experts will also join the forum, including Catherine Marsh, Deputy Director General at the Asian Development Bank, and a delegation from China’s Xi’an Geological Survey Centre.
They will converge in Islamabad together to exchange insights and play an active role in shaping the discussions.
Although Pakistan’s mineral sector holds immense potential, it currently makes up just 3.2% of the country’s GDP, with exports representing only 0.1% of global figures.
However, enhanced exploration efforts, a boost in foreign investment, and improvements in infrastructure are driving the industry toward substantial growth.
