PM: Trillion Dollar Minerals Can Free Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that Pakistan's vast and largely untapped mineral resources—estimated to be worth trillions of dollars—hold the key to freeing the country from its long-standing dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other foreign financial institutions. Addressing a high-level meeting on natural resource development, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan is blessed with an abundance of natural assets, including copper, gold, rare earth elements, coal, and other critical minerals that, if properly explored and utilized, could transform the country’s economic landscape. He pointed to the Reko Diq project in Balochistan as one of the most promising mining ventures in the world and a clear example of the potential lying beneath Pakistan’s soil. “We must accelerate exploration, adopt international best practices, and attract both local and foreign investors to fully harness our resources,” the premier stated. PM Shehbaz underscored that reliance on external loans and financial aid is not a sustainable strategy.

 Instead, he urged for homegrown solutions rooted in self-reliance and efficient use of national wealth. He also called for the creation of a national mineral development strategy, which would include streamlined regulations, investor-friendly policies, and a focus on transparency and environmental protection. Highlighting the geopolitical importance of Pakistan’s minerals—particularly in a global market hungry for renewable energy inputs and technological manufacturing—PM Shehbaz said this is “an opportunity Pakistan cannot afford to miss.” The prime minister directed relevant ministries to fast-track mapping, exploration, and licensing processes while ensuring that local communities benefit through job creation and development initiatives. Experts believe that if Pakistan successfully develops its mining sector, it could generate billions in export revenue, reduce reliance on imports, and significantly improve its foreign exchange reserves. PM Shehbaz concluded by saying, “It is time we stop looking outward and start digging inward—toward the prosperity buried beneath our land.”