Pakistan will join world's major economies before 2050, PM Shehbaz tells minerals moot

• PM says Pakistan aims to utilise mineral resources for domestic industries.
• Reko Diq project moves towards completion and operational phase: PM.
• Field Marshal Asim Munir vows security for mineral investments.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence that Pakistan will become one of the world's major economies before 2050, saying Goldman Sachs has forecast that the country could become the world's sixth-largest economy by 2075.

He was addressing participants of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 on Friday.

Pakistan's economy, the premier said, is moving towards a journey of growth and transformation with renewed confidence.

He said the country aimed to stop exporting its valuable mineral resources in raw form, adding that the resources would instead be utilised for domestic industries.

"The day is not far when Pakistan will utilise its mineral resources for the country's downstream industries," PM Shehbaz said, adding that the country does not merely want to extract raw minerals and export them abroad.

Referring to the Reko Diq project, he said it is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits.

The project, which remained stalled for two decades, is moving towards practical completion and the operational phase, he added.

The prime minister said the establishment of the National Minerals Data Centre and digitisation of geological records would ensure the availability of authentic information.

He said the federal and provincial governments would work together to promote the minerals sector.

The prime minister said the government is committed to providing the business community with all necessary support to promote investment.

He said the government would work as one team to protect investors' interests, adding that the protection of investors is the government's protection and their security is its security.

PM Shehbaz further stated that the cooperation and trust of local communities were essential for the success of mineral projects.

He said protecting manpower, assets and supply routes is the government's responsibility.

Moreover, he said reliable infrastructure for electricity, water and communications is essential for investment.

He also assured investors that he would ensure the swiftest possible movement of files held up in connection with investment.

Calling the younger generation the country's valuable asset, the prime minister said Pakistan's youth are educated, talented and determined.

CDF vows to ensure security of mining ecosystem

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that Pakistan aims to become a competitive destination for long-term mineral investment.

He said that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the security of the entire mining ecosystem.

Mines and miners, investments, industries, projects and all associated people would be provided adequate protection, he added.

The CDF said that harnessing Pakistan's mineral wealth is a collective national objective.

He emphasised that the country's goal is not merely to export raw materials but to develop the entire value chain, including refining and manufacturing.

“Pakistan seeks to foster long-term partnerships that create sustainable economic value for the country and its partners.”

He stressed that mineral development must benefit local communities, adding that people living in mineral-rich areas should witness tangible improvements in their lives.

He highlighted that the people of Pakistan are hardworking, courageous and determined, with immense potential to turn dreams into reality.

He observed that while the country's resources provide opportunities, its people are the source of strength and determination needed to achieve results. “Pakistan must move from potential to productivity, from promises to action, and from raw exports to value-added growth.”