Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited international investors to explore Pakistan's vast mineral potential and establish processing and manufacturing industries in the country.
He was addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan must move beyond exporting raw minerals towards value addition and industrial development. He said his message to international investors is clear: mine in Pakistan, process in Pakistan, manufacture in Pakistan and then export to the rest of the world.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan wants to establish refineries, smelters, cable and conductor factories and other industries to ensure value addition to its mineral resources.
Referring to the Reko Diq project, Shehbaz Sharif said one of the largest untapped copper and gold deposits in the world is being developed, with production expected to commence in 2028.
He said a project that remained stalled for some two decades is now on its way to actual operational execution.
The Prime Minister appreciated Barrick's continued confidence in Pakistan and referred to Goldman Sachs' assessment that Pakistan can become the sixth-largest economy in the world by 2075. However, he expressed confidence that the country can achieve this milestone before 2050.
Regarding facilitating international investors, Shehbaz Sharif said every investor expects a level playing field, transparent rules, quick decision-making, consistency in policies and strong institutions.
He said the government is simplifying procedures, eliminating red tape, cutting inordinate delays and ensuring complete transparency in awarding licenses and contracts.
He said the National Mineral Data Cell and digitization of geological records would enable investors to know what lies beneath the ground before making investments.
The Prime Minister assured that the federal and provincial governments would work in unison to provide investors all necessary support and assistance.
He said the safety and protection of investors' manpower, valuable assets and supply routes are the paramount responsibility of the government.
Shehbaz Sharif also invited investors to bring directly to him any files held up due to bureaucratic delays or cumbersome procedures, assuring them that he would personally ensure their movement at lightning speed.
Highlighting Pakistan's human resource potential, the Prime Minister said the country's real wealth is not only in its mountains but also in its young people.
He described Pakistan's youth as educated, resilient and brave, with the potential to convert the country's natural wealth into national progress and prosperity.
He urged international investors to establish skilled training centres and vocational institutes, ensure technology transfer and promote local suppliers.
He said these initiatives would enable Pakistani youth to become skilled professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister emphasized that every investment in mining must translate into local jobs, local businesses and opportunities for local contractors, as well as schools, clinics, clean drinking water and a better life for communities.
He said the government would work with provincial governments and investors to ensure that people living nearest to mining sites become the main beneficiaries of these economic activities.
Shehbaz Sharif further stressed that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
He said Pakistan would pursue responsible mining in line with the highest international standards, deploying state-of-the-art technology while protecting water resources, workers' health and safety and the land itself.
He reiterated that the federal government, provincial governments and all national institutions would stand firmly with investors at every step.
Renewing his invitation to international investors to visit Pakistan, the Prime Minister assured them of the country's hospitality and full support.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed confidence that, together, Pakistan and its international partners would transform the country's mineral wealth into mutually beneficial economic cooperation, industrial growth and shared prosperity.
