Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting critical minerals as a driver of sustainable development and economic progress during a United Nations briefing on energy and resource security. The country pledged to work closely with members of the UN Security Council and other international partners to ensure that mineral resources contribute to stability, innovation, and long-term prosperity while supporting global development goals.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, shared the commitment while addressing a session on energy, critical minerals, and global security in New York. He emphasised that Pakistan aims to responsibly develop its energy and mineral resources while ensuring transparency, environmental protection, and inclusive economic benefits for local communities and industries.
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The ambassador also highlighted several government initiatives designed to strengthen the mineral sector. These measures include improving geological mapping, accelerating exploration activities, strengthening regulatory systems, and introducing transparent licensing procedures. Additionally, authorities are encouraging environmentally responsible mining practices to ensure that the country’s natural resources are developed without damaging ecosystems or undermining long-term sustainability.
Pakistan possesses significant untapped mineral reserves, including copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and valuable gemstones. Despite this natural wealth, exports from the sector remain limited, and many local communities have yet to see meaningful economic benefits. Therefore, the government is pursuing reforms aimed at attracting investment and aligning the sector with international standards and responsible mining practices.
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In line with these efforts, the government will host the Second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad on April 8 and 9. The forum will promote investment opportunities, encourage international partnerships, and showcase projects ready for development. It will also feature technical sessions, an international gemstone exhibition, and discussions focused on improving market access, skill development, and environmental safeguards.
Experts believe that strategic projects, including the Reko Diq copper and gold site in Balochistan, could significantly transform Pakistan’s mineral economy. If properly developed, such projects could generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs. Analysts estimate that the mineral and gemstone sector could contribute between five and seven billion dollars annually to Pakistan’s GDP within the next decade, strengthening long-term economic growth.