WEB DESK: The National Interest outlines Pakistan’s push to modernize its mining economy, Pakistan is intensifying efforts to convert its enormous, long-neglected mineral resources valued in the trillions of dollars into a driver of sustained economic development, according to a detailed analysis published by The National Interest.
The report underscores that Islamabad is overhauling its mining framework to bring it in line with global standards. Central to these reforms are greater transparency, predictable regulation, and deeper engagement with international partners, all aimed at positioning Pakistan as a key player in the global market for critical minerals.
A major pillar of this strategy is the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), scheduled for April. The forum is designed to showcase Pakistan as a credible and investment-ready destination for global mining and resource companies.
Among the most prominent projects featured is Reko Diq, regarded as one of the largest copper and gold ventures worldwide. With an estimated 5.9 billion tonnes of mineral reserves, the project is expected to generate multi-billion-dollar revenues and create significant employment opportunities.
The analysis also highlights the underperformance of Pakistan’s gemstone industry. Despite possessing gemstones valued at around $450 billion, the country’s annual gemstone exports stand at only $5.8 million, revealing a substantial gap between potential and output. To close this gap, the government has launched Pakistan’s first National Gemstone Policy, prioritizing certification standards, downstream value addition, and greater participation by young entrepreneurs.
Under this new framework, authorities aim to raise gemstone exports to $1 billion within five years.
Beyond traditional minerals, The National Interest points to Pakistan’s prospects in lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, resources that are increasingly vital for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. Participation in these global supply chains could significantly enhance Pakistan’s strategic economic relevance.
According to experts quoted in the report, successful implementation of mining and gemstone sector reforms could boost Pakistan’s GDP by $5–7 billion annually over the next decade, while supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The reforms are also expected to enable technology transfer and stimulate wider industrial growth.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect Pakistan’s ambition to establish itself as a transparent, responsible, and dependable partner in the international minerals market, using its natural resource base to strengthen long-term economic stability and resilience.
