Pakistan promises responsible development of energy and mineral resources, says UN envoy Asim Iftikhar
Permanent representative of the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad Photo: APP
Pakistan has said it is ready to work with all members of the UN Security Council and beyond to ensure that critical minerals become catalysts for sustainable development, progress and stability, Radio Pakistan reported.
The statement was made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar during a briefing on “Energy, Critical Minerals and Security” in New York on Friday. He said Pakistan is committed to responsible development of its energy and mineral resources.
Iftikhar highlighted that the government has launched targeted initiatives to accelerate exploration and development of critical minerals, strengthen regulatory frameworks, modernize geological mapping, improve licensing transparency and promote environmentally responsible mining practices.
“Our aim is to ensure that Pakistan’s resource potential is translated into industrial growth and social development,” the ambassador added, underscoring Islamabad’s efforts to align its mineral sector with global sustainability and security goals.
Pakistan sits on vast untapped mineral wealth, including copper, gold, lithium, cobalt, rare earths and precious stones, but exports remain minimal and local communities see limited benefits.
The government aims to change this through policy reforms, improved regulation and investment promotion, aligning Pakistan to international standards and positioning it as a responsible partner in the global mineral market.
The second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26) scheduled for 8-9 April in Islamabad, will serve as a platform to promote mining awareness, attract sustainable investment and showcase investment-ready projects.
The forum will feature technical sessions, an international gemstone exhibition and initiatives to improve market access, skills development and environmental protection for miners.
Read: Despite obstacles, US interest in Pakistan’s minerals is growing
Strategic projects, such as the Reko Diq copper and gold site in Balochistan, can generate billions in revenue, create thousands of jobs and boost Pakistan’s industrial and economic growth if properly developed.
Experts predict that exploitation of the mineral and gemstone sector could add $5-7 billion annually to GDP over the next decade, transforming underutilized resources into a major economic driver for the country.
At the same time, experts also say that treating critical minerals solely through the lens of global demand risks repeating past mistakes. Historical experience, such as the Green Revolution, shows that growth driven by output rather than human needs can deepen inequality, harm the environment and marginalize ordinary people.
For resource-rich countries like Pakistan, true mineral security means using domestic resources to meet local needs before prioritizing exports. While the sale of critical minerals can generate income for a narrow elite, translating these gains into broad societal benefits remains a major challenge.
