ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan can become one of the world’s major economies before 2050, citing a Goldman Sachs projection that the country could rank sixth globally by 2075.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 on Friday, he said the economy was entering a period of growth and transformation. Pakistan, he added, should process its mineral resources at home rather than export them in raw form, using them to develop downstream industries.
Shehbaz pointed to Reko Diq, describing it as one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits. After remaining stalled for two decades, the project is now moving towards completion and operations, he said.
He said a National Minerals Data Centre and digitised geological records would provide investors with reliable information, while federal and provincial governments would coordinate to develop the sector. The government, he added, would support businesses, safeguard investors and speed up the processing of investment-related files.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of local communities’ trust, security for workers and supply routes, and dependable electricity, water and communications infrastructure. He described young Pakistanis as educated, talented and determined, calling them a key national asset.
