In April 2025, Islamabad hosted a landmark event that could reshape the economic destiny of Pakistan: the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF25). Attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, international investors, geological experts, and major corporate players, the forum marked a turning point in the country’s pursuit of economic sovereignty. It focused attention on one of the most overlooked yet invaluable national assets: Pakistan’s mineral wealth, estimated to be worth over $6 trillion.

This article delves into the significance of the forum, its strategic implications, and how Pakistan can translate its untapped geological wealth into long-term prosperity.

The Untapped Wealth Beneath the Soil

Pakistan is home to an extraordinary range of mineral resources. From copper and gold in Balochistan to rare earth elements and lithium essential for global tech and green energy markets, the country holds a treasure trove beneath its terrain. Yet, for decades, political instability, policy vacuums, and infrastructural deficits have left these resources underutilized.

The PMIF25 was designed to change this. By bringing together stakeholders from around the world and highlighting geological surveys and investment-ready projects, the government sent a clear message: Pakistan is open for business.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized in his speech, “The road to Pakistan’s economic freedom lies beneath our feet. If we are able to harvest these great assets, Pakistan will say goodbye to the IMF programmes.”

One of the most notable commitments made at the forum was the pledge........

© Daily Times