ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence that Pakistan will emerge as one of the world’s major economies before 2050, saying the country is moving towards growth and transformation with renewed economic confidence.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, the prime minister welcomed international investors and distinguished guests, thanking Barrick Mining for maintaining its confidence in Pakistan.
Shehbaz stressed the need to end the export of valuable mineral resources in their raw form, saying they would instead be utilised to support domestic industries and develop downstream processing capabilities.
He described the Reko Diq project as one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, noting that the project, stalled for nearly two decades, was moving towards implementation and operations.
The prime minister said Pakistan wanted to extract, process and manufacture mineral products locally before exporting them.
He emphasised fair partnerships, equal opportunities and policy continuity for investors, pledging transparent licensing and contract awards and streamlined procedures.
He added that federal and provincial governments would work jointly to promote investment and development in the minerals sector.
