Pakistan has officially begun international diplomatic outreach to promote the 2nd Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, 2026 (PMIF26), set to be held in Islamabad on April 8 and 9. Government officials are mobilising foreign missions to draw widespread global participation and enhance investment interest in the country’s mineral and mining sector.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik led the initial briefing with Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners posted in key capitals. The session focused on aligning diplomatic engagement with national economic priorities, according to the petroleum division. The meeting aimed to position PMIF26 as a world‑class platform for investment and collaboration in Pakistan’s minerals industry.
Officials participating in the briefing included senior representatives from the petroleum division and key public sector entities. They outlined the strategic importance of the upcoming forum and urged diplomatic missions abroad to promote it as an opportunity for multinational mining companies, institutional investors, and financial institutions.
Forum Set to Build on Growing International Confidence
Minister Malik described PMIF26 as a platform that will promote mining awareness, stimulate economic activity, and attract sustainable investment into Pakistan’s mineral sector. He highlighted that the forum intends to build on the momentum of the inaugural PMIF 2025, which was attended by delegates from more than 50 countries. The first forum also resulted in the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding with globally recognised firms, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s mineral potential.
The upcoming forum is being designed as a strategic and technical conference. It will include an international gemstone exhibition and a comprehensive resource library. Organisers aim to support data‑driven, informed decisions by potential investors and business partners.
Pakistan’s missions abroad were asked to actively engage leading mining companies, key institutional investors, and relevant government counterparts in their host countries. The goal is to ensure broad‑based and meaningful international participation to make PMIF26 a focal point of global mining investment discussions.
Government Approves Gemstone Sector Reform Framework
In parallel with PMIF26 preparations, the federal government has approved a national policy framework to reform the gemstones sector, aligning it with international standards and creating a more favourable environment for foreign investment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high‑level meeting to discuss the country’s gemstone reserves, sectoral reforms, export enhancement, and technology adoption. He directed that all timelines in the policy framework be strictly followed this year.
As part of the reform plan, the government will establish international‑standard laboratories and certification systems to improve quality assurance and global competitiveness. The prime minister also ordered the creation of two centres of excellence for gemstones within the year and endorsed the engagement of internationally recognised experts to support implementation.
The reform drive comes amid concerns that Pakistan’s gemstone exports remain negligible despite vast reserves. Government officials noted that the country’s gemstone exports stood at around $5.8 million annually, even though estimated reserves are valued at approximately $450 billion.
Strategic Plan to Boost Gemstone Processing and Exports
More than 5,000 companies in Pakistan currently process over 30 types of precious stones, including emerald, peridot, ruby, topaz, and aquamarine. However, the sector has not realised its export potential. To change this, the industries and production ministry has devised a comprehensive action plan to address sectoral challenges and priority reform measures.
The plan aims to raise gemstone export earnings to $1 billion over the next five years by improving regulatory frameworks, fostering private‑sector participation, and integrating the gemstone value chain into the national economy.
Key initiatives include promoting local processing for value addition, adopting modern technology, and launching private‑sector training programmes to enhance skills and production quality. The government also plans to introduce a “Brand Pakistan” strategy to enhance marketing and global recognition of Pakistani gemstones.
Strategic Importance of PMIF26 and Gemstone Reform
Together, the international outreach for PMIF26 and the gemstone sector reform framework signal Pakistan’s intent to elevate its mineral and mining industries on the global stage. By combining diplomatic engagement with structural reforms, the government aims to attract foreign capital, increase employment, and diversify export revenue streams.
The success of PMIF26 will be measured not only by attendance but also by the long‑term partnerships and investment agreements that may emerge. The reforms in the gemstone sector are expected to complement this effort by creating a competitive, regulated, and technologically advanced industry that appeals to global buyers and investors.
As Pakistan prepares for PMIF26 and implements the gemstone policy framework, the government’s strategy reflects a proactive approach to unlocking the economic potential embedded in its vast mineral reserves. If executed effectively, these initiatives could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s mining and gemstone sectors, fostering sustainable growth and international confidence.
