ISLAMABAD (Lord Media): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized restoring investor confidence as a priority for both federal and provincial governments, as the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 commenced in Islamabad on Thursday.

Dar highlighted the government’s focus on promoting investment, trade, and information technology, while strengthening international partnerships. He noted significant progress towards macroeconomic stability and underscored Pakistan’s potential in the minerals and mining sectors.

He pointed out Pakistan’s diverse mineral resources and investment opportunities for international investors, particularly in battery storage systems and electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.

Referring to Balochistan, Dar described it as the future of Pakistan’s mineral sector. Provincial leaders also outlined mineral opportunities and investment measures.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the forum’s role in developing Pakistan’s minerals sector, highlighting coal, granite, pink salt, and rock salt reserves. She mentioned affordable land, low-cost loans, and digitized mining leases in Punjab.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah discussed Thar coal’s potential as the sixth-largest reserve globally, urging investment in energy and industrial sectors. He noted Sindh’s mineral diversity and the government’s framework for mining and private-sector involvement.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi assured investor security as a top priority, offering a one-window operation facility and inviting exploration of KP’s mineral resources. He noted KP as the second-largest gas-producing province.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti invited both domestic and international investors to explore the province’s mining opportunities.