Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on foreign investors to mine, process, and manufacture minerals within Pakistan rather than exporting them in their raw form during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad on Friday. Sharif stated that the country needs to develop its entire mineral value chain to create greater economic opportunities and establish downstream industries such as refineries, smelters, and cable and conductor factories.
"My humble and sound advice to you would be: mine in Pakistan, process in Pakistan, manufacture in Pakistan and then export to the rest of the world," Sharif told the forum, describing this as the government's philosophy and mission. He renewed his previous commitment to end the export of precious minerals in raw form, stating, "I am happy to renew my commitment. Insha'Allah, the day is not far away when this will come to a grinding halt, and these treasured minerals will be fully utilised by Pakistan's downstream industry."
The Prime Minister emphasized that mineral development must be balanced with environmental protection and international standards to safeguard water resources and worker safety. He told investors that the government would ensure development does not come at the expense of the environment and urged them to use state-of-the-art technology. Sharif also stressed that investments should provide tangible benefits to nearby communities, including jobs, schools, healthcare, and clean drinking water.
Addressing the needs of investors, Sharif said the government is simplifying procedures and eliminating red tape. He noted that the National Mineral Data Cell and the digitisation of geological records would allow investors to assess resources before committing funds. Sharif pledged that federal and provincial governments would work as one team to support businesses, stating, "We will work for your interest as one team and, Insha'Allah, provide you with all necessary support and assistance to promote your business in Pakistan."
Sharif also offered a personal guarantee to resolve bureaucratic hurdles, telling investors, "If any file gets stuck due to bureaucratic delays or cumbersome procedures, bring it straight to me. I will personally ensure that it moves with lightning speed. This is my personal guarantee to all of you." He further assured them of their safety, saying, "Your safety is our safety, and your protection is our protection. We are sailing in the same boat."
Regarding specific projects, Sharif highlighted the Reko Diq project on the Tethyan Copper Belt as one of the world's largest untapped copper and gold deposits, noting that production is expected to begin in 2028 after being stalled for two decades. He also acknowledged Barrick's confidence in Pakistan and the Goldman Sachs assessment that the country could become the world's sixth-largest economy by 2075, though he expressed confidence it could happen earlier than 2050.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, pledged to ensure security across the mining sector to attract long-term investment. Munir stated that every possible measure is being taken to protect mines, miners, and projects. He echoed the Prime Minister's goal of moving beyond raw material exports to develop a value chain that includes refining and manufacturing. Munir emphasized that mineral development must benefit local communities and called for a shift from potential to production.
