UK, Pakistan launch geoscience capability drive

Minister warns against hydrocarbon dependence as British envoy praises peace efforts

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott jointly launched a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan's geoscientific capabilities and supporting the country's mineral sector, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

The programme was inaugurated at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) and will run from April to July 2026. It aims to strengthen GSP's technical capability through hands-on training aligned with international standards. Speaking at the event, Malik said recent geopolitical developments have exposed vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on hydrocarbons. He emphasised that strengthening institutions such as GSP is essential to position Pakistan as an attractive destination for mineral exploration and investment.

Malik reiterated the government's commitment to developing the mineral sector in a sustainable, transparent and investor-friendly manner. He welcomed greater participation of international partners, particularly from the United Kingdom, across Pakistan's mineral value chain. Marriott reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Pakistan's economic development through technical cooperation. She praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for peace and noted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had expressed gratitude in the UK Parliament to the Pakistani government for its peace efforts.

'Pakistan has extraordinary geological potential, but realising it depends on trustworthy data collated through modern methods,' she said. 'The UK is supporting Pakistan to build the skills, systems and credibility needed to attract responsible investment.'

The launch event was attended by Petroleum Division Secretary Hamid Yaqob Sheikh, GSP Advisor Dr Hamid Ashraf and GSP Director-General Adnan Alam Awan.