Future Minerals Forum Riyadh: petroleum minister highlights Pakistan’s potential

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has said that the government of Pakistan is actively reducing systemic friction by simplifying the regulatory environment and harmonising the mineral sector framework.

“Pakistan possesses vast and diverse mineral potential, offering significant opportunities for global partnerships,” he emphasised.

Malik said this highlighting Pakistan’s mineral potential at Future Minerals Forum (FMF), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Petroleum Division-Ministry of Energy said in a handout.

The petroleum minister represented Pakistan at the FMF in Riyadh where he participated in high-level discussions showcasing Pakistan’s immense mineral potential to the world.

On the sidelines of FMF, the federal minister held a series of high-level bilateral meetings. These included a meeting with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, during which both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across the energy sector, including petroleum supply, renewable energy, energy efficiency, investment opportunities.

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Malik also had a meeting with Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Engr. Khalid Al-Falih to discuss enhancing investment flows and facilitating partnerships in Pakistan’s energy and minerals sectors. He also met with International Energy Forum Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi, Metso Corporation CEO Sami Takaluoma, Chairman of Delta Oil Badr Al-Aiban and Saudi EXIM Bank CEO Eng. Saad Alkhalb. During these interactions, prospects of mutual cooperation came under discussion.

The federal minister took part in a prominent ministerial panel titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: The Role of Governments in Driving Mineral Supply,” moderated by CNN Anchor and Correspondent Ms Eleni Giokos. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, Morocco Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali, Mauritania Minister of Mines and Industry Thiam Tidjani, Chile Mining Minister Aurora Williams Baussa, and Canada Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Claude Guay.

During the discussion, the panel acknowledged Pakistan’s growing prominence, recognising it as an emerging and attractive mineral destination. Giokos remarked that, due to the immense potential Pakistan holds, the world appears to be “knocking at Pakistan’s door to secure minerals,” reflecting increasing international interest.

The federal minister formally invited global stakeholders to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in April 2026, positioning it as a key platform for investment, collaboration, and policy dialogue.

In addition, the minister attended the FMF Ministerial Roundtable titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: Minerals for a New Era of Development,” which brought together representatives from 100 governments.

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Pakistan’s presence at FMF was further strengthened through the Pakistan Pavilion, titled “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel.” The pavilion featured live demonstrations of the National Minerals Data Center (NMDC), a state-of-the-art digital platform central to Pakistan’s mineral sector modernisation. Visitors engaged with advanced interactive exhibits, including 3D geological modelling, high-resolution GIS mapping, and real-time data visualisation of Pakistan’s mineral-rich belts.

Pakistan also hosted a 90-minute country showcase session on its mineral resources, which drew a packed audience. During the session, Minister Malik presented Pakistan’s strategic vision for critical minerals, stating that Pakistan is open for business and that the government of Pakistan stands firmly behind investors, enabling operators to harness this potential to support the global transition toward electrification.

He emphasised that Reko Diq is not merely a project but a benchmark that will set new standards for mining, noting that the theme of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum this year will be “Beyond Reko Diq.”  Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Belushi also attended this session.

Pakistan’s active engagement at the Future Minerals Forum reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible mineral development, global cooperation, and investment-led growth, positioning the country as a key partner in meeting future global mineral demands.