Pakistan's mineral investment push outrages Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's aggressive push for international investment in its mines and minerals sector has ignited a firestorm of dissent in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) regions.

The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, held in Islamabad on April 8-9, was billed as a golden opportunity to unlock "trillions of dollars" of the country's mineral wealth. The event drew over 300 delegates from nations like the US, Saudi Arabia and China. The forum has deepened the divide between the centre and provinces. Locals in accuse Islamabad of tightening its grip on their wealth for the benefit of foreign powers and the central elite.

Addressing the forum, PM Shehbaz Sharif said: "If we harness these vast reserves, Pakistan can bid farewell to global lenders." His words, however, ring hollow in Balochistan, where Reko Dik copper-gold mine has become a lightning rod for dissent.

The province has endured decades of neglect while its resources are siphoned off to benefit the elite. KP's gemstones have long been a source of pride, yet locals say they see little of the profits.

"The mountains bleed wealth, but our children starve," said a tribal elder. In Gilgit-Baltistan, where gold, uranium and gems abound, protests were held over leases to Chinese firms. Leaders in PoK, known for ruby and sapphire deposits, have long demanded autonomy over resources. "Our minerals will line foreign pockets while we're left with dust," said Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, a former PM.