Latest news with #PMIF25
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Congressman reaffirms call for IK release
ISLAMABAD: US Representative Jack Bergman on Wednesday called for the immediate release of jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan, following a recent diplomatic trip to Islamabad as part of a congressional delegation. Bergman, a Republican, made the statement shortly after reaching the United States after attending the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) alongside Democratic Representatives Thomas Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson. During the visit, the delegation held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir Shah, focusing on investment, regional stability and defence cooperation. While the group did not publicly address political issues during the stay in Pakistan, Bergman issued a statement on social media following his return to the US, urging Khan's release. 'After my Pakistan visit, engaging with leaders and communities there and in the US, I reaffirm my call for Imran Khan's release,' he posted on X. He added that US-Pakistan relations should be grounded in 'democratic values and human rights.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
US Congressman renews call for Imran Khan's release after Pakistan visit
US Congressman Jack Bergman can be seen in this image shared on January 8, 2025. — Facebook/Rep. Jack Bergman Listen to article US Congressman Jack Bergman has reaffirmed his call for the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that democratic values and human rights are essential to a strong US-Pakistan partnership. Bergman, who recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Pakistan, made the comments in a statement posted on social media platform X. He described his engagements with leaders and communities in both countries as constructive and urged collaboration for 'freedom and stability.' 'A strong US-Pakistan partnership thrives on shared values — democracy, human rights, & economic prosperity,' Bergman wrote. The Michigan Republican visited Islamabad to attend the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) alongside fellow Congressmen Thomas Souzzi and Jonathan Jackson. The lawmakers held meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior officials. According to Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), talks with the army chief focused on regional security, defence ties, and counterterrorism efforts. Both sides emphasised the need for sustained engagement and signed memoranda to expand cooperation in digital training and IT. In his meeting with the US delegation, Minister Naqvi reiterated Pakistan's frontline role in the global fight against terrorism, calling for increased international recognition and intelligence-sharing. Bergman's remarks add to growing congressional pressure in Washington for Khan's release. In February, Congressmen Joe Wilson and August Pfluger urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push for the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. They characterised Khan's case as politically motivated and compared it to that of former President Donald Trump's January 6 2021 insurrection. More than 60 members of Congress have previously raised concerns about political repression in Pakistan, including electoral misconduct and the detention of opposition figures. Bergman's comments reflect bipartisan concern in Washington over democratic backsliding in a key US ally, as Islamabad continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of political dissent.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Minerals: a strategic tug of war
Listen to article Pakistan's mineral sector has become a growing focal point for the United States, especially following the recent global event, the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF25), held in Islamabad. The forum, attended by key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, highlighted the vast opportunities presented by Pakistan's untapped mineral resources. With significant reserves of copper, gold, rare earth minerals, and more, Pakistan is positioning itself as a promising investment destination for global players – particularly the United States. The forum underscored the increasing interest in Pakistan's mineral sector, driven by the global demand for critical resources used in high-tech industries. Notably, rare earth minerals are in high demand for electronics, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicles. The US has recognised Pakistan's potential as a key supplier of these minerals, which are vital to its industrial ecosystem. As the global race to secure stable supply chains intensifies, Pakistan's vast reserves offer a unique opportunity for the US to diversify its mineral sources and reduce dependency on other countries, especially China. Beyond rare minerals, Pakistan's deposits of copper and gold are equally valuable. These resources are essential for industries ranging from construction to electronics and are expected to remain in high demand. The US's growing interest in these minerals is rooted in its need to secure access to materials critical for long-term industrial resilience. With rising global consumption, US companies are keen to invest in Pakistan's mining industry, which offers long-term economic potential. At the forum, it became clear that US engagement in Pakistan's mining sector is not limited to resource extraction. There is a strong emphasis on technology transfer and capacity building. American companies bring with them advanced mining technologies and sustainable practices that could modernise Pakistan's mining operations. By introducing efficient and environmentally friendly methods, the US can help Pakistan enhance its mineral output while reducing the environmental footprint. Sustainability was a key theme at the forum, especially as concerns about climate change and environmental degradation grow. With their expertise in clean technologies, US firms are in a position to help Pakistan transition to more sustainable mining practices. These could include minimising waste, lowering emissions, and implementing advanced recovery techniques that reduce ecological damage while maximising economic returns. However, while the strategic and economic advantages of US involvement are apparent, it is crucial not to overlook the role of traditional local miners. Pakistan's mining industry has long depended on artisanal miners who have been instrumental in resource extraction. Without their inclusion in broader economic opportunities, these miners risk displacement as large-scale, tech-driven operations take over. The government must ensure that any foreign partnership includes provisions for local miner involvement. While some foreign firms may resist such conditions, including local workers can help foster skills development, create jobs, and preserve the social fabric of mining communities. This inclusion is also vital to ensuring broader economic benefits across the country. Training and empowering traditional miners could create thousands of jobs, strengthen local economies, and reduce poverty. Moreover, community engagement is essential to securing buy-in for large-scale mining projects, mitigating the risk of social unrest, and promoting shared prosperity. Additionally, if the US is seeking a sovereign-level agreement for mineral access, it indicates a desire for a direct, exclusive arrangement with the Pakistani government. From Islamabad's perspective, this places the country in a delicate geopolitical position. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has already shown serious investment interest. Given the historical and strategic relationship between our two countries, any side-lining of Riyadh could send an unintended diplomatic signal. Saudi Arabia has consistently provided financial support, and alienating such a longstanding partner would be short-sighted. Then there's China – Pakistan's all-weather friend, an important investor and partner through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Any perceived shift towards Washington, especially in mineral-rich areas where Chinese interests are already active, could cause discomfort in Beijing. The overlap of strategic and commercial interests requires a nuanced approach. For Pakistan, the smart play is to keep all doors open. Investment is essential, but not at the cost of alienating traditional allies or undermining long-term strategic relationships. Balance is everything. The forum also called attention to the need for regulatory reform and infrastructure development. While Pakistan's mineral wealth is undeniable, a lack of modern infrastructure, energy supply, and clear regulations continues to deter investors. These challenges must be addressed to unlock the mining sector's full potential. The US, with its expertise in infrastructure development, could play a meaningful role in helping Pakistan modernise its regulatory framework and physical logistics. Security remains another key concern, especially across mineral-rich provinces like Balochistan. For any investment to succeed, the government must guarantee safety, equitable resource sharing, and transparency. A stable environment is crucial to attracting and retaining both foreign and local investors. Finally, a word of caution: the US has a complicated legacy in mineral-rich regions. History offers examples from Africa to Afghanistan, where foreign interest in natural resources led to conflict, instability, and weakened state control. The term "conflict minerals" did not emerge in a vacuum. For Pakistan, this is a lesson worth remembering. Granting any single power too much control or exclusive access risks compromising national sovereignty and increasing foreign interference. Pakistan must craft a mineral policy that promotes strategic autonomy, not dependency. As global demand for minerals like rare earths, copper, and gold continues to surge, Pakistan's untapped resources represent a major economic opportunity. If managed wisely – through inclusive partnerships, strategic diplomacy, and sustainable development – this sector could power a new phase of national growth. For the US, securing access to these materials strengthens its supply chain. THE WRITER IS A STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tapping treasure troves
Listen to article Pakistan in pursuit of tapping its treasure troves beneath the surface took a leap forward by holding a two-day international moot. The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), held in Islamabad, attracted a sizeable gathering of foreign investors and official delegates, intended at unlocking the estimated trillions of dollars of untapped reserves. Given that Pakistan is on the map of precious minerals, especially its southwestern province of Balochistan, the new geo-economic craving and connectivity has opened new vistas of collaboration. Thus, a renewed push to introduce the geography and salient features of metals that await to see the light of the day across the length and breadth of Pakistan is a step in the right direction, especially at a time when global economic interdependence is on the rise in the wake of trade and tariff revulsions. The Prime Minister and the Army Chief push the envelope further by throwing open the vast potential with an official nod. This time around, Pakistan has come up with a roadmap to walk the talk by underscoring the need to process and export mineral products, rather than shipping raw materials abroad. This policy is two-pronged intended at not only sharing the bounties of minerals with the world at large for a right price tag, but also enabling the local industry to attract technical knowhow aimed at capacity building. If harnessed properly, it has the potential to pull the economy out of the abyss of degeneration and poverty, helping it out of the debt trap. That necessitates not only some critical thinking but also a foolproof plan to add value to extraction, and its subsequent compartmentalisation for earning due recognition on the international index. Saindak, Reko Diq and other gold pots have been in news more for litigations and controversies, and this is where pooling of synergies in the legal and commercial contexts is desired in all sincerity. Last but not least, a successful epilogue can only be written if the locals inhabiting these strategic lands are on board, and international investors are convinced that tranquility and consensus is assured.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan bets on minerals for revival!
The writer is a public policy analyst based in Lahore. She can be reached at durdananajam1@ Listen to article New doors of opportunity have been thrown open for local and foreign investors in Pakistan's largely untapped mineral wealth — estimated to be worth trillions of dollars — at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25). Held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, this two-day summit has drawn over 2,000 participants, including more than 300 delegates from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, the US, the UK and Finland. The objective has been to showcase Pakistan's mineral potential and position the country as a key player in the global mining supply chain. The event was organised jointly by the Government of Pakistan, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and international stakeholders. The rationale behind launching PMIF25 is rooted in Pakistan's urgent need to diversify its economy, attract foreign direct investment and reduce dependence on multilateral lenders like the IMF. A notable shift in government policy is the emphasis on exporting semi-finished and finished mineral products rather than shipping raw materials abroad. This pivot not only promises higher returns but also supports job creation and skill development at home. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar echoed similar optimism, launching the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025, an integrated reform initiative designed to align policies across federal and provincial levels. He described Pakistan as "strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse" due to its rich geological landscape, including world-class deposits such as Reko Diq and untapped reserves of rare earth elements and gemstones. Central to this new planning is Balochistan, a province long known for its resource wealth but equally burdened by neglect and instability. Reko Diq, located in the Chagai district, is among the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects in the world. Saudi Arabia's Manara Minerals has expressed interest in investing in the project, having already visited Pakistan last year for exploratory talks. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, during a panel discussion, pointed out that Balochistan could spearhead Pakistan's transformation in the mineral sector - provided that security concerns and regulatory bottlenecks are effectively addressed. His comments underscore a crucial reality: that the success of this initiative hinges as much on governance and infrastructure as it does on geology. There is no doubt that PMIF25 has generated substantial interest. The presence of high-level international delegations, including Eric Meyer from the US State Department and Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Minerals, signals potential for long-term partnerships. Equally noteworthy is the government's proposal that any investment agreement should include technology transfer provisions. This would ensure that Pakistan not only benefits from mineral wealth in the short term but also builds local capacity in extraction, processing, and equipment manufacturing. Skill development also emerged as a recurring theme, with calls for vocational training centres that would equip Pakistan's youth with technical expertise required for modern mining and processing. While the promises are bold, the assumption that PMIF25 alone could help Pakistan eliminate its dependence on the IMF appears overly optimistic. The mineral sector currently contributes only about 3.2% to Pakistan's GDP. Transforming it into a cornerstone of economic self-reliance will take more than just declarations and summits. The real challenge lies in Pakistan's business environment. Investors frequently cite regulatory unpredictability, delayed approvals, security risks - particularly in resource-rich regions like Balochistan - and an over-complicated tax regime as key deterrents. Moreover, despite the creation of high-profile platforms like CPEC and SIFC, Pakistan has repeatedly found itself returning to the IMF's doorstep. These institutions, while designed to attract investment and streamline decision-making, have not delivered the kind of economic transformation initially envisioned. The disconnect between grand announcements and ground realities must be addressed for PMIF25 to succeed where past initiatives have faltered. If Pakistan genuinely seeks to unlock its mineral potential, it must go beyond forums and frameworks. First, there needs to be political consistency and regulatory stability across provinces. Second, security in mineral-rich zones must be prioritised without alienating local communities. Third, transparency in licensing, environmental compliance and profit-sharing is essential to gain investor confidence and ensure equitable development. The government must also address the broader economic context in which mining firms operate — high inflation, currency volatility and energy shortages remain major hurdles. Without fixing these foundational issues, no amount of mineral wealth will translate into national prosperity. Pakistan's mineral resources are vast, and the potential is real. PMIF25 is a step in the right direction — especially in its emphasis on value-added exports, skill development and international cooperation. But turning this potential into economic resilience requires more than announcements. It demands sustained reform, efficient governance and a commitment to long-term policy implementation. The mineral sector can be a game-changer, but only if Pakistan creates a conducive environment where business thrives, risks are manageable and benefits are widely shared. The world is watching. It's time to deliver. Despite the event's significance, it has not been without criticism, including from segments of the Pakistani diaspora. Some voices abroad have questioned the government's motives and capacity even before the project takes off. While constructive criticism is a democratic right, one wonders if the reflexive scepticism from certain quarters — living in comfort and security overseas — may unintentionally echo the narratives of Pakistan's detractors. It raises the unsettling question: are some critics more invested in Pakistan's failure than its success? In the final analysis, the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum offers an opportunity to shift gears and diversify the economy. But whether this becomes a landmark success or another unfulfilled promise will depend not just on the size of the rocks under our soil, but on the strength of the institutions above it.
