Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the confidence of global investors in the mineral sector is commendable, and the Minerals Investment Forum will help the mineral sector develop. He said that Pakistan is standing at an important stage of economic development.
He expressed these views while addressing the first day of the 2-day Minerals Investment Forum 2026 held at the Convention Center Islamabad. The forum was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Gilani and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain also participated in the forum.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegates and reiterated his commitment to provide all facilities to investors. He said that the confidence of global investors in the mineral sector is commendable, and the forum will help the sector develop.
Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani said that there are vast investment opportunities in the mineral sector of Azad Kashmir, and all possible facilities will be provided to investors. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain said that there is a portal for issuing licenses for mineral exploration and other facilities, and a conducive environment is being provided for investment.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the holding of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum is important for the development of the mineral sector, Pakistan is rich in mineral resources. Punjab is the land of 5 rivers. Pakistan has immense natural resources and extraordinary potential, there is a need to take full advantage of natural resources.
Maryam Nawaz said that Pakistan has a lot of potential, there is pure gold flowing naturally in the rivers of Punjab. Punjab has reserves of coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt. She said that surveys are underway to determine the amount of gold in the rivers of Punjab, evidence of abundant gold reserves has been found in the rivers.
Punjab Chief Minister said that besides gold, river sand and gravel also contain valuable minerals and metals. We want to convert the natural resources of Punjab into common wealth and prosperity. Commercial partnerships are being sought to exploit Punjab’s mineral resources, while land is being provided at affordable rates for businesses in the province.