Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum: Bugti guarantees investor security, pledges no red tape in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has assured local and international investors of security and a business-friendly environment in the province, saying the government is committed to facilitating investment in its mineral and energy sectors.

Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad on Thursday, Bugti said the federal and provincial governments, along with security forces, had the capacity and resolve to protect investors. The forum is being organised in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and aims to promote domestic and foreign investment by highlighting Pakistan’s mineral reserves and untapped resources.

“For me, the challenge is not security. The challenge is the perception and the reality, and we all know perception always travels much faster than reality,” he said.

Bugti said Balochistan was different from the image often portrayed on television, adding that its people welcomed investors and wanted them to explore opportunities in the province.

He urged domestic and international partners to come forward, reiterating his assurance that the government would provide a secure environment for investment.

Reko Diq, Saruna projects offer investment potential

Highlighting Balochistan’s mineral and energy resources, the chief minister said the province had significant reserves of minerals, oil and gas, with positive developments expected in the coming months.

He said the Reko Diq project was expected to begin operations by 2029, describing it as a major example of the province’s mineral potential.

Bugti also referred to prospects in Saruna, where he claimed oil and gas reservoirs were larger than those at Sui, which he said had supplied energy to Pakistan for more than 70 years.

He further announced that the Balochistan government, with the federal government’s support, was planning to establish a fertiliser city in Sui, citing the availability of low-BTU gas in the area.

The chief minister invited investors to participate in the proposed project, saying the provincial government would provide security, civic facilities and other necessary support.

“One thing an investor wants first is security, which I guarantee,” he said, extending the assurance on behalf of the security forces, federal government and people of Balochistan.

Bugti promises one-window operation, no red tape

Bugti also assured investors that they would not face bureaucratic hurdles in the province, saying the government had introduced a one-window operation system to facilitate investment.

He said the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act had been passed by the provincial assembly with consensus among the political parties represented in the house.

The legislation, he added, was aligned with the broader framework in place across Pakistan.

Bugti said the provincial government was ready to work alongside investors and support them in developing Balochistan’s mineral resources.

His remarks came as the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 brought together government officials, international investors, mining executives and industry experts to explore investment opportunities in the country’s mineral sector.

The forum, being held in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), features discussions on mineral exploration, project financing, mining infrastructure, international partnerships and the development of Pakistan’s mining workforce.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was briefed ahead of the event on diplomatic outreach and operational preparations, including arrangements to facilitate visiting international delegations and global mining companies.