Pakistan’s Trillions in Hidden Mineral Wealth Could End IMF Dependence – PM Shehbaz’s Game-Changing Vision
In a groundbreaking declaration at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a transformative vision for Pakistan’s economic future. Addressing a global audience of over 300 foreign delegates in Islamabad, the Prime Minister claimed that Pakistan is sitting on mineral deposits worth trillions of dollars, and tapping into these could permanently sever ties with global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“This is not a dream—it’s a reality waiting to be unlocked,” declared PM Shehbaz. “We can say goodbye to IMF loans and external borrowing if we responsibly and efficiently exploit our mineral wealth.”
A Mineral Revolution Is Coming: Pakistan’s Natural Resources Hold the Key
The two-day PMIF25, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, brought together national and international stakeholders to discuss opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions, including Reko Diq in Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
PM Shehbaz emphasized a new investment approach:
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No more exporting raw materials – value addition inside Pakistan is now the policy.
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Foreign companies must bring tech and share expertise with Pakistan.
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A “benefit-sharing model” will ensure Pakistanis directly benefit from the wealth.
He added, “Our agreements must now mandate downstream industrial development, job creation, and local manufacturing.”
Pakistan’s Mineral Map: The Hidden Goldmine
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also emphasized Pakistan’s geostrategic advantage and untapped reserves. “With resources like copper, gold, rare earth elements, and gemstones such as emeralds and peridot, Pakistan is poised to become a global mining powerhouse,” Dar noted.
He highlighted the significance of Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, and called the mining sector Pakistan’s future economic backbone.
Dar also revealed that the government has launched policy reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and create a robust mining ecosystem.
Breaking News: Major Copper-Gold Discovery in Balochistan
Adding to the excitement, National Resources Limited (NRL), a private Pakistani consortium, announced a significant copper-gold discovery in Chagai, Balochistan. NRL’s Chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba, also CEO of Lucky Cement, stated that:
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The 500 sq km site holds 18 promising mineral prospects, with Tang Kaur reaching an advanced drilling stage.
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Over 3,500 meters of drilling has revealed high-potential mineralization.
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NRL is also pursuing lead-zinc projects, all while maintaining 90%+ local employment.
NRL is working closely with the Balochistan government and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and has launched a $100 million exploration fund to expand mining efforts.
From Resource Curse to Resource Power: Pakistan’s Economic Reset
Prime Minister Shehbaz boldly stated that Pakistan must shed its “resource curse” reputation. “The mineral wealth should no longer be a secret or a missed opportunity,” he said. “We are uniting the military, provinces, and institutions to make this a national mission.”
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal added, “Our mineral potential is so massive that it will undoubtedly attract major investment globally.”
Key Highlights from PMIF25:
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Trillions of dollars in mineral deposits identified across Pakistan.
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Ban on raw mineral exports—only finished goods will leave the country.
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FDI encouraged with tech transfer and local employment conditions.
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Strategic discoveries in Chagai to undergo feasibility studies by year-end.
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Massive investment influx expected from countries looking to diversify resource supply chains.
Why This Changes Everything
With the IMF dictating Pakistan’s economic decisions for decades, the possibility of economic independence through mineral development is a paradigm shift. The discovery of massive copper-gold deposits and the strategic move to develop them locally is a step towards self-sufficiency and global relevance.
This could be Pakistan’s most significant economic moment since independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What mineral resources does Pakistan have?
Pakistan has large deposits of copper, gold, rare earth elements, iron, lead, zinc, and gemstones including emeralds and peridot. Reko Diq and Chagai are among the richest areas.
2. How much are Pakistan’s mineral resources worth?
Estimates suggest trillions of dollars in untapped mineral wealth, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and official surveys.
3. Can Pakistan really say goodbye to IMF loans?
If the mining sector is developed strategically with value addition and export of finished goods, Pakistan could drastically reduce its debt and dependency on institutions like the IMF.
4. What is PMIF25?
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 is a high-level event to promote investment in the mineral sector, hosting over 300 foreign investors and stakeholders.
5. What is Reko Diq and why is it important?
Reko Diq is one of the largest undeveloped copper and gold mines in the world, located in Balochistan, and is key to Pakistan's economic transformation.
6. Who is National Resources Limited (NRL)?
NRL is a Pakistani consortium comprising Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills, and Lucky Cement, focused on mineral exploration in Balochistan.
7. What is the $100 million exploration fund for?
It’s a dedicated fund to support mineral exploration and acquire more licenses in Chagai, led by NRL in cooperation with government bodies.
8. How will Pakistan ensure that mineral wealth benefits locals?
The government has mandated local value addition, technology transfer, and over 90% local employment in new mining projects.
9. What role does the army play in mining?
The military is part of a collaborative effort with civilian institutions and provinces to ensure security, infrastructure, and transparency.
10. Will these discoveries attract foreign investors?
Yes. With a clear policy framework, local partnerships, and vast untapped reserves, Pakistan is now a prime target for global mining investment.
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