Pakistan has brought together participants from more than 60 countries at its Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad as the government seeks foreign investment and international partnerships to develop the country’s mining industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced the international participation while addressing the opening session of the two-day event on Thursday.

The forum has brought together international mining companies, investors, financial institutions, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Dar said participation from more than 60 countries reflected growing international interest in Pakistan’s mineral resources and the government’s efforts to establish long-term investment partnerships.

Pakistan is seeking foreign investment in several mineral resources, including copper, gold, iron ore, chromite, lead, zinc, marble, and gemstones.

The government also wants international companies to bring advanced technology, technical expertise, workforce training, and access to international markets to support the development of the mining industry.

Dar highlighted potential opportunities for economic cooperation with China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Central Asian states, and European partners.

He said these partnerships could help attract investment and strengthen industrial cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

The federal government is organising the forum in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division, and other relevant institutions.

The event aims to connect international investors with provincial governments and local businesses, with the broader objective of converting investment discussions into long-term commercial projects.