Pakistan to Become One of World’s Major Economies Before 2050, Says PM Shehbaz

Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, the prime minister welcomed international investors and said Pakistan’s economy was moving towards growth with renewed confidence.

He said Pakistan aimed to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead process them locally into finished products for international markets.

“The day is not far when Pakistan will utilise its mineral reserves for the development of its downstream industries,” Shehbaz said, adding that although the journey would be challenging, the government was committed to achieving this goal.

Referring to the Reko Diq project, the prime minister described it as one of the largest untapped gold reserves and said the project was moving towards implementation and operational stages. He also thanked Barrick for maintaining its confidence in Pakistan.

Shehbaz cited a Goldman Sachs projection that Pakistan could become the world’s sixth-largest economy by 2075. However, he said the country would achieve the milestone of becoming a major global economy before 2050.

The prime minister said the government was working to provide equal opportunities to investors in the mining sector and simplify procedures to meet their expectations. He added that transparency would be ensured in the issuance of licences and agreements.

He said federal and provincial governments would work together to promote the minerals sector and protect investors' interests.

Shehbaz stressed that local communities must be involved in development projects, adding that the government was responsible for protecting the workforce, assets and supply routes.

Highlighting the role of young people, he described Pakistan's youth as educated, talented and determined. He urged investors to establish technical training centres and vocational institutions in the country to equip young people with skills and employment opportunities.

The prime minister also emphasised that the benefits of investment in the mining sector should reach local communities. He said this could be achieved through improved access to education, healthcare and better living standards.