Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik represented Pakistan at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, where he took part in high-level discussions aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s vast mineral potential to the global community.
On the sidelines of the forum, the minister held a series of important bilateral meetings. He met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, where both sides discussed strengthening cooperation across the energy sector, including petroleum supply, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and investment opportunities.
Ali Pervaiz Malik also met Saudi Minister of Investment Engr. Khalid Al-Falih to explore ways to enhance investment flows and facilitate partnerships in Pakistan’s energy and minerals sectors. In addition, he held meetings with Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum; Sami Takaluoma, CEO of Metso Corporation; Chairman of Delta Oil Badr Al-Aiban; Eng. Saad Alkhalb, CEO of Saudi EXIM Bank; and other senior executives, during which prospects for mutual cooperation were discussed.
The federal minister participated in a high-level ministerial panel titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: The Role of Governments in Driving Mineral Supply,” moderated by CNN anchor and correspondent Eleni Giokos. The panel included ministers and senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada.
During the discussion, Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government of Pakistan is actively reducing systemic barriers by simplifying regulations and harmonizing the mineral sector framework. He stressed that Pakistan possesses vast and diverse mineral resources, offering significant opportunities for global partnerships. The panel acknowledged Pakistan’s growing profile as an emerging mineral destination. Eleni Giokos observed that, given Pakistan’s immense mineral potential, the world appears to be “knocking at Pakistan’s door to secure minerals,” reflecting rising international interest.
The minister formally invited global stakeholders to participate in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled for April 2026, describing it as a key platform for investment, collaboration, and policy dialogue.
Ali Pervaiz Malik also attended the FMF Ministerial Roundtable titled “Dawn of a Global Cause: Minerals for a New Era of Development,” which brought together representatives from around 100 governments.
Pakistan’s presence at the forum was further reinforced through the Pakistan Pavilion, titled “Pakistan – The Mineral Marvel.” The pavilion showcased live demonstrations of the National Minerals Data Center, a digital platform at the heart of Pakistan’s mineral sector modernization. Visitors explored interactive displays featuring 3D geological modeling, high-resolution GIS mapping, and real-time data visualization of Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions.
Pakistan also hosted a 90-minute country showcase session on its mineral resources, which attracted a large audience. Addressing the session, the federal minister presented Pakistan’s strategic vision for critical minerals, stating that Pakistan is open for business and that the government fully supports investors. He said the country aims to enable operators to harness mineral potential in support of the global transition toward electrification.
He emphasized that Reko Diq is not just a project but a benchmark that will set new standards for mining, adding that the theme of the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum will be “Beyond Reko Diq.” Saudi Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Abdulrahman Al-Belushi also attended the session.
Pakistan’s active engagement at the Future Minerals Forum underscored the government’s commitment to responsible mineral development, global cooperation, and investment-led growth, positioning the country as a key partner in meeting future global mineral demand.
