PM Shehbaz: Trillion-dollar minerals can free Pakistan from IMF
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Pakistan’s mineral wealth, valued in trillions of dollars, could allow the country to break free from its dependency on foreign lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Massive Investment Forum Targets Global Investors
Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, Sharif said the country can overcome its debt crisis by effectively utilizing its abundant natural resources.
“These deposits are worth trillions. If we manage them properly, Pakistan can finally say goodbye to the IMF and escape the burden of debt,” he said, addressing over 300 foreign delegates attending the two-day event. The forum aims to unlock global investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
No Raw Exports, Only Value-Added Products
Sharif emphasized that Pakistan will no longer allow the export of raw materials. Instead, investors must establish value-added processing facilities within the country.
“From now on, the policy is clear: mine the resources, build local industries, and then export the final products,” he explained. Additionally, he stressed that foreign investors must transfer technology to Pakistan as part of their agreements.
“These deals must include a clear plan for technology transfer. We need the skills and tools to build a sustainable future,” he added.
Partnership Over Profit
The Prime Minister clarified that investment agreements should prioritize mutually beneficial partnerships, rather than one-sided profit.
He urged federal and provincial governments, along with the military, to work together in unity. “With a collective effort, we can turn things around rapidly,” he said with optimism.
Pakistan’s Strategic Mining Advantage
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the forum. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location and rich natural reserves, positioning it to become a global mining powerhouse.
According to Dar, the government has introduced investor-centric reforms and policies to build a robust, inclusive mining sector. He added that the forum provides a key platform for global partnerships and long-term cooperation.
Wide Global Participation
The event attracted delegates from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States, along with officials from the US State Department, US Exim Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). CEOs of mining companies from Denmark, Kenya, Finland, and the UK are also in attendance.
Pakistan plans to showcase its 600,000 square kilometers of mineral-rich land and anticipates several investment deals and MoUs to be signed during the forum.
Vast Potential, Small Contribution
Despite its potential, Pakistan’s mining sector currently contributes only 3.2% to GDP, with exports forming just 0.1% of the global total. This underscores the opportunity for dramatic growth if the resources are harnessed efficiently and sustainably.
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