Pakistan has made a bold push to unlock its untapped mineral wealth by hosting the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, with high-profile participation from the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia. The event, held on Tuesday, was aimed at attracting billions of dollars in foreign investments in the country’s long-overlooked mines and minerals sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the summit and in his televised address, emphasized that “Pakistan is strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse.” He added that the nation holds one of the world’s largest unexplored reserves and is offering incentives to investors willing to capitalize on this potential.

Top government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, also participated in the event to underline its importance.

Unexplored Wealth in the Earth

Pakistan is rich in a variety of natural resources, including copper, gold, lithium, and several other valuable minerals. One of the standout attractions is the Reko Diq deposit in Balochistan, regarded as one of the world's largest copper and gold reserves.

Despite being home to abundant reserves, Pakistan’s mining sector has largely remained underdeveloped due to infrastructure challenges, lack of investment, and security threats, particularly in Balochistan, the country’s largest yet least populated province.

Spotlight on Reko Diq and Balochistan

The Reko Diq area, located in Balochistan, has become the centerpiece of Pakistan’s mining pitch. It holds a multi-billion-dollar mineral reserve that could transform the country’s economy if developed effectively. But Balochistan’s history of insurgency, combined with the presence of foreign nationals, has turned the region into a security hotspot.

Balochistan, which houses Pakistan’s ethnic Baloch minority, has seen waves of unrest over the years. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) continues to wage an armed campaign against the Pakistani state, claiming that the region’s people have been marginalized and economically exploited.

Their attacks often target security forces and foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in Pakistan’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Just last month, the BLA mounted another attack, reaffirming that security remains a critical hurdle for potential mining investors.

High-Level Delegations and Investment Targets

Delegations from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China attended the summit. The Pakistani government hopes to convert the summit into concrete investments across various sites rich in mineral deposits.

By positioning itself as a global player in critical minerals, especially lithium and copper which are vital to green energy technologies, Pakistan aims to align with global trends. With increasing demand for electric vehicle batteries and renewable infrastructure, countries are keen on securing long-term supplies of these resources.

Pakistan is leveraging this opportunity by offering investor-friendly policies, including tax benefits, customs exemptions, and long-term mining leases, aimed at minimizing entry barriers.

Security, Trust and Infrastructure – The Challenges Ahead

Despite these opportunities, experts caution that investment enthusiasm must be matched by reforms, especially in governance, security management, and infrastructure development.

While the Pakistani government claims to have quelled the insurgency in Balochistan, incidents by groups like the BLA show a persistent threat. These groups have explicitly warned foreign companies and nationals, particularly Chinese workers, to stay away from local projects.

Additionally, delays in infrastructure deployment, bureaucratic red tape, and legal disputes have historically deterred international firms from entering the Pakistani mining market. The Reko Diq project itself has been embroiled in decades-long legal battles, which only recently saw resolution, allowing Barrick Gold to re-engage with its development.

Strategic Implications for Pakistan and the Region

The minerals boom, if handled well, could help Pakistan overcome its economic crises, diversify exports, and create jobs in remote areas. The foreign exchange inflows would also support the country’s struggling currency and foreign reserves.

Moreover, a well-developed mineral sector could allow Pakistan to become a regional hub for strategic minerals, supplying to tech and EV manufacturers across Asia and Europe.

However, ensuring fair local participation, addressing ethnic concerns, and strengthening regulatory frameworks will be essential for long-term sustainability.

Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity with Caution

Pakistan’s Minerals Investment Forum marks a strategic shift in the country's economic vision. By opening its doors to the global mining community, it has shown intent to transition from an underutilized resource base to a mineral-rich investment hub.

But the path forward is not without obstacles. A fragile security landscape, regional sensitivities, and the need for transparent governance remain critical issues that need addressing.

Still, if Pakistan can navigate these challenges, the untapped mineral reserves in its soil could very well write a new chapter of prosperity for its economy and people.

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