By: Saima Afzal

Pakistan holds trillions in untapped mineral wealth — copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and gemstones — yet exports remain minimal, and local communities see few benefits. The upcoming Second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26), scheduled for April 8-9 in Islamabad, aims to change that narrative, positioning the country as a credible, investment-ready mining economy on the global stage. In a world racing to secure critical minerals for technology, energy, and green growth, Pakistan could become a strategic hub. Transparency, policy reform, and international partnerships are required to turn raw potential into global economic impact.

Pakistan’s mineral resources are mainly located in the regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, which have a long history of being underexplored due to security reasons and a lack of infrastructure. The Reko Diq project, which is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold mines in the world, has more than 5.9 billion tonnes of ore. If utilized effectively, it can produce billions of dollars in revenue, provide thousands of job opportunities, and positively change the trade of the area. Besides the industrial minerals, Pakistan’s gemstones are estimated to be worth around $450 billion, which consist of emeralds, peridot, ruby, topaz, and aquamarine. However, yearly exports amount to only $5.8 million, highlighting a large gap between potential and output.

The first national policy framework for gemstones has been released by the government in response to systemic weaknesses in the industry, including the modernization of certifications, improvement of value addition, and a goal of $1 billion in exports in five years. The project highlights the development of youth-led entrepreneurship, the use of modern technology, and transparent governance, thus filling long-existing gaps in the industry.

These reforms are necessary, and the larger picture is obvious. The mineral resources of Pakistan, if modernized in a strategic way, could lead to national economic growth, job creation, and technological progress, besides being a significant part of the supply chains of critical minerals in the region.

PMIF26 builds on the success of PMIF25, which drew over 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries and resulted in 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs). Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik convened a high-level briefing with Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners, urging them to engage with mining companies, investors, and financial institutions worldwide.

“PMIF26 will serve as a key platform for promoting mining awareness, stimulating economic activity, and attracting sustainable investment into Pakistan’s mineral sector,” the minister stated. This year, the forum will include a Strategic Conference, Technical Sessions, an International Gemstone Exhibition, as well as a comprehensive resource library, providing investors with access to data-driven insights and policy clarity.

This is not a ceremonial event like the distribution of Pakistan awards; rather, it is a strategic step to integrate policy, diplomacy, and investment. By creating a transparent, accessible platform for global stakeholders, Pakistan seeks to translate mineral wealth into actionable investment and industrial outcomes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved international-standard laboratories, certification systems, and centers of excellence for gemstones to boost credibility and attract private-sector participation. Currently, over 5,000 processing units operate across Pakistan. Yet, fragmented oversight and limited technology hinder productivity.

The reforms aim to empower local miners and small-scale entrepreneurs, who........

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