Pakistan vows to promote critical minerals for sustainable development at UN

Pakistan pledges responsible development of energy and mineral resources, says UN envoy Asim Iftikhar

Pakistan has said it stands 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 United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar during a briefing on “Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security” in New York on Friday. He said Pakistan is committed to the 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, modernise geological mapping, improve licencing transparency, and promote environmentally responsible mining practices.

“Our objective is to ensure that Pakistan’s resource potential translates into industrial growth and social development,” the ambassador added, underlining 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 gemstones, yet 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 with international standards and positioning it as a responsible partner in the global minerals market.

The Second Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF26), scheduled for April 8-9 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, skill development, and environmental safeguards for miners.

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Strategic projects, such as the Reko Diq copper and gold site in Balochistan, could generate billions in revenue, create thousands of jobs, and boost Pakistan’s industrial and economic growth if properly developed.

Experts predict that leveraging 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.

Simultaneoulsy, experts also say treating critical minerals purely through the lens of global demand risks repeating past mistakes. Historical experiences, such as the Green Revolution, show that growth driven by output rather than human needs can deepen inequality, harm the environment, and marginalise ordinary people.

For resource-rich countries like Pakistan, true mineral security means using domestic resources to meet local needs before prioritising exports. While selling critical minerals may generate revenue for a narrow elite, translating these gains into broad societal benefits remains a major challenge.