ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti invited international investors to the province’s mining and energy sectors at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), promising security, policy support and one-window facilitation. The two-day forum opened on November 12 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad and runs until November 13, with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) backing it.
The forum brings together investors, mining companies, government officials, financial institutions and technical experts. The previous edition drew about 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, according to organizers.
Key Points
- Bugti told investors that security is their first requirement and that he guarantees it on behalf of the security forces, federal government and people of Balochistan.
- He said a dedicated security division has been set up for the proposed mineral corridor and that a new Frontier Corps wing is being developed.
- He promised one-window facilitation instead of red tape and pointed to the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act.
- An exhibition at the forum displayed about 42 types of Balochistan minerals, including copper, gold, antimony, bauxite and chromite.
- International experts said investors also need reliable geological data and a stable environment.
Bugti: Security and One-Window Facilitation
Addressing investors, Bugti said the challenge in Balochistan was as much about perception as security. He argued that the province differs from the image shown on television and that its people are ready to welcome investors.
He said the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act, passed in the provincial assembly with political consensus, is aligned with the national framework. To show local hospitality, he recalled that Barrick Gold’s camp was found intact when the company returned after a long absence.
Bugti also said the Reko Diq project is expected to become operational by 2029. He said the Saruna area’s oil and gas reserves could be larger than those of Sui, and spoke of a fertiliser city in Sui that could use low-BTU gas. These are the chief minister’s statements and were not independently verified.
42 Minerals on Display
Saeed Ahmed Sarpara, chief executive of Balochistan Mineral Resources, said the exhibition showed that the province holds extensive deposits that could add to Pakistan’s economy and exports. He pointed to Reko Diq and Saindak as examples of ongoing mining activity involving multinational companies.
Investors Want Data and Stability
Charles Young of South Africa-based Spatial Dimensions, who attended the forum for a second year, said Pakistan has strong critical-minerals potential. He said investors need a stable, secure environment and dependable geological data, and noted the importance of the Geological Survey of Pakistan’s online portal.
A representative of an international company working with Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Mari Energies said rising petroleum and gas prices favor investment in recovery technology. He also pointed to growing copper demand from data centers and power generation.
Phased Approach to Value Addition
Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, a former Balochistan chief minister, said mega mining projects such as Reko Diq are long-term industrial undertakings. He said large-scale extraction must be established first, with smelting and refining developed in phases, alongside skills training, corporate social responsibility and royalty payments for host communities.
Ayesha, a Lasbela-based entrepreneur, said her company plans to expand its mining operations in Balochistan over the next five years and modernize local practices to meet international standards.
Security Concerns and Opposition
Security remains a central question for investors. Media reports note that militant groups are active in Balochistan, and Canadian firm Barrick Gold has previously delayed work on Reko Diq. The Baloch National Movement (BNM) opposed the forum and warned foreign investors ahead of the event, according to an ANI report on November 11.
Observers say that lasting benefits will depend on transparent resource management, credible geological data, environmental safeguards, local employment and training, and the growth of local processing industries.
What Is Next at PMIF26
The second day is scheduled to include a government dialogue on investor-ready mining jurisdictions, sessions on infrastructure and export corridors, and the launch of the National Minerals Data Centre and the Geological Survey of Pakistan GeoPortal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is PMIF26? On November 12-13, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
What did Bugti promise investors? Security, policy support and a one-window facilitation system for mining investment in Balochistan.
Which minerals were showcased? About 42 types, including copper, gold, antimony, bauxite and chromite.
What do investors say they need? Security, a stable environment and reliable geological data.
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