Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has highlighted Pakistan’s immense mineral potential and the government’s commitment to simplifying regulations and harmonising the country’s mineral sector framework to attract global investment. Addressing the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Malik emphasized that Pakistan offers vast and diverse mineral resources, providing significant opportunities for international partnerships.
During his visit, the federal minister held high-level bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, and Minister of Investment Engr. Khalid Al-Falih. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across the energy and mineral sectors, promoting investment flows, renewable energy collaboration, and energy efficiency initiatives. Malik also engaged with leaders from the International Energy Forum, Metso Corporation, Delta Oil, and the Saudi EXIM Bank to explore mutual collaboration.
A key highlight of FMF was Malik’s participation in the ministerial panel titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: The Role of Governments in Driving Mineral Supply,” moderated by CNN Anchor Eleni Giokos. The panel, featuring ministers and senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada, acknowledged Pakistan as an emerging and attractive destination for mineral investment. Giokos remarked that the global interest in Pakistan’s minerals is growing rapidly, stating that “the world appears to be knocking at Pakistan’s door to secure minerals.”
Minister Malik formally invited global stakeholders to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, positioning it as a strategic platform for investment, policy dialogue, and collaboration. He emphasised that Pakistan’s mineral sector is open for business, with the government supporting investors to harness its potential for the global energy transition. He also highlighted that the Reko Diq project serves as a benchmark for mining excellence, and this year’s forum theme, “Beyond Reko Diq,” reflects the country’s ambition to expand critical mineral development.
Pakistan’s presence at FMF was further reinforced through the Pakistan Pavilion, titled “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel,” showcasing the National Minerals Data Center (NMDC), a cutting-edge digital platform for mineral sector modernisation. Visitors engaged with 3D geological models, high-resolution GIS mapping, and real-time data visualisation of Pakistan’s mineral belts. The country also hosted a 90-minute session spotlighting its strategic vision for critical minerals, attended by regional and international stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Abdulrahman Al-Belushi.
The federal minister’s active engagement at the Future Minerals Forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to responsible mineral development, global cooperation, and investment-led growth, positioning the country as a key partner in meeting future global mineral demands.
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