By SKM
January 17, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is positioning itself as a major destination for global mineral investment, with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik leading the country’s delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh.
The forum brought together officials, investors, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss critical minerals and global supply chains. During the event, Malik highlighted Pakistan’s untapped mineral potential and the government’s ongoing reforms to streamline regulations and attract foreign investment.
On the sidelines, Malik held high-level meetings with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, to discuss cooperation in petroleum supply, renewable energy, and investment opportunities. He also met Engr. Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, to explore partnerships in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors.
The minister met with other senior figures, including Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum; Sami Takaluoma, CEO of Metso Corporation; Badr Al-Aiban, Chairman of Delta Oil; and Saad Alkhalb, CEO of Saudi EXIM Bank, to discuss investment and collaboration opportunities.
Malik participated in a ministerial panel titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: The Role of Governments in Driving Mineral Supply,” moderated by CNN anchor Eleni Giokos. Panelists included Saudi Arabia’s Bandar Alkhorayef, Morocco’s Leila Benali, Mauritania’s Thiam Tidjani, Chile’s Aurora Williams Baussa, and Canada’s Claude Guay. Malik highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to remove regulatory bottlenecks and harmonize its mineral framework to facilitate investment. Panelists recognized Pakistan as an emerging mineral destination, with Giokos noting growing international interest in the country’s resources.
The minister formally invited global stakeholders to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in April 2026, positioning it as a platform for investment, partnerships, and policy dialogue. He also attended the FMF Ministerial Roundtable, “Dawn of a Global Cause: Minerals for a New Era of Development,” which included representatives from over 100 governments.
Pakistan showcased its mineral potential through the Pakistan Pavilion, titled “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel.” The pavilion featured the National Minerals Data Center (NMDC), highlighting 3D geological modeling, GIS mapping, and real-time data visualization of Pakistan’s mineral-rich areas.
During a 90-minute country showcase session, Malik outlined Pakistan’s strategic vision for critical minerals and emphasized that the country is open to foreign investment. He called the Reko Diq project a benchmark for future mining and said the theme of this year’s Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum would be “Beyond Reko Diq.” The session was also addressed by Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Abdulrahman Al-Belushi.
Officials said Pakistan’s active engagement at the FMF underscores the government’s efforts to integrate the country into global mineral supply chains and attract long-term investment in the sector. Ends
