Pakistan Can Free Itself from Debt Trap by Leveraging Mineral Resources: Prime Minister

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that the value of the country’s mineral resources is in trillions of dollars, and by utilizing these resources, Pakistan can free itself from the burden of foreign debt.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad, the Prime Minister highlighted that the forum would increase investment in the mineral sector and boost investor confidence. He mentioned that vast mineral reserves exist in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while Sindh and Punjab are also rich in natural resources. He also noted that Azad Kashmir is home to immense natural wealth.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that progress on the Reko Diq project is encouraging, and mining in Balochistan will create job opportunities and contribute to socio-economic development. He stressed that investment in the mineral sector is beneficial for all parties.
“Nature has blessed Pakistan with abundant resources,” said the Prime Minister. “The country holds the world’s largest coal reserves, and the Sindh government is working vigorously to tap into these reserves. By relying on domestic coal instead of imported coal, we are saving valuable foreign exchange.”
Shahbaz Sharif also outlined the importance of adding value to products and boosting exports, ensuring that finished goods, rather than raw materials, are exported.
Welcoming all delegates, the Prime Minister congratulated the organizers for the successful conduct of the forum. He stated that Pakistan warmly welcomes investors from the Gulf countries, China, Europe, the United States, and other regions.