Pakistan, KSA deepen mining cooperation, explore joint investment scope

KARACHI/ ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is in Riyadh leading Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain.

The Saudi Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the Forum, noting that global focus has increasingly shifted toward mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector. He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a key asset.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated the strong brotherly relations between the two countries and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation. He shared that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working to collaborate with the Saudi Geological Survey, and highlighted the immense mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, of which Reko Diq is only a small part. He further noted that fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing also offer promising avenues for joint ventures.

The Pakistani delegation comprises senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and leading mining sector stakeholders, including PPL, OGDCL, Mari Energies, GHPL, FWO, PMDC, Saindak Metals, and Balochistan-based mineral companies, along with specialized service providers.

Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion showcases the country’s rich geology, flagship mining projects, and investment opportunities.

H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and extended full support for Pakistan’s participation. He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, noting that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.

During his visit to the Pavilion, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef appreciated the Pakistani team’s efforts, particularly the Pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026