Pakistan’s mineral investment push outrages Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s aggressive push for worldwide 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) areas.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, held in Islamabad on April 8-9, was billed as a golden alternative to unlock “trillions of dollars” of the nation’s mineral wealth. The occasion drew over 300 delegates from nations just like the US, Saudi Arabia and China. The discussion board has deepened the divide between the centre and provinces. Locals in accuse Islamabad of tightening its grip on their wealth for the advantage of overseas powers and the central elite.
Addressing the discussion board, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated: “If we harness these vast reserves, Pakistan can bid farewell to global lenders.” His phrases, nonetheless, ring hole in Balochistan, the place Reko Dik copper-gold mine has develop into a lightning rod for dissent.
The province has endured many years of neglect whereas its assets are siphoned off to profit the elite. KP’s gems have lengthy been a supply of satisfaction, but locals say they see little of the earnings.
“The mountains bleed wealth, but our children starve,” stated a tribal elder. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the place gold, uranium and gems abound, protests have been held over leases to Chinese companies. Leaders in PoK, identified for ruby and sapphire deposits, have lengthy demanded autonomy over assets. “Our minerals will line foreign pockets while we’re left with dust,” stated Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, a former PM.