Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the upgraded Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories (GARL) of the Geological Survey of Pakistan on Friday. The event was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), along with federal ministers and distinguished foreign dignitaries.
The inauguration marked a significant enhancement of Pakistan’s mineral research capabilities, drawing high-level attention to the development of the country’s mineral sector. The facility, originally established in 1991, has undergone comprehensive modernization to meet international standards.
Located in Chak Shehzad, the revitalized laboratory complex now holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, certifying its technical competence for testing and calibration in line with global benchmarks. This accreditation enables the facility to provide internationally recognized analytical data required by mining companies for reserve estimation under JORC and NI 43-101 reporting standards.
Officials of the Geological Survey of Pakistan described the upgradation and accreditation as crucial for attracting investment in the mineral sector, as it will provide the reliable and certified data that international mining companies and financial institutions demand for major projects.
Building on a legacy of over three decades, the modernized facility will now serve as a state-of-the-art hub equipped to meet the evolving and demanding needs of the modern mineral development sector, positioning Pakistan to compete in the global resource exploration landscape.
