Planning Commission leads economic policy as govt zeroes in on minerals sector

ISLAMABAD: The federal government accentuated its focus on strengthening economic governance and attracting foreign investment, as senior ministers outlined key reforms and international outreach initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable growth.

Chairing a meeting on economic reforms, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said that the Planning Commission should serve as the principal institution for economic policymaking and development planning. He said the body must guide ministries and divisions to ensure coherence, consistency and long-term alignment in economic decisions.

Highlighting the Planning Commission’s historic role, Dar stressed the need to empower it to set strategic priorities and oversee public investment more effectively. He proposed that the commission function as an apex body under the direct leadership of the prime minister, with an integrated policy and planning structure complemented by a dedicated development wing to drive reforms and improve economic coordination.

Meanwhile, the government has also launched diplomatic outreach to attract international participation for the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), scheduled to be held in April. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik briefed Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners posted in key capitals, urging them to mobilise global mining firms and investors for the event.

The virtual briefing, attended in person by senior officials from the Petroleum Division and key public sector entities, focused on aligning diplomatic efforts with national economic priorities and positioning PMIF26 as a major global platform for investment in Pakistan’s mineral and mining sector.

The minister described the forum as a national economic priority and called on diplomatic missions to actively engage leading mining companies, institutional investors, financial institutions and relevant government bodies in their host countries. He said the event aims to promote awareness of Pakistan’s mineral potential, stimulate economic activity and attract sustainable, long-term investment.

Recalling last year’s event, Malik noted that the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 was organised in line with international standards and produced concrete outcomes, setting the stage for an expanded and more impactful forum in 2026.