DNA
ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (DNA):Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Advocate Amjad Hussain on Thursday invited international investors to explore the region’s mineral resources, saying it offered significant potential in metals, precious minerals, dimension stones and placer gold.
Addressing the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), he said Gilgit-Baltistan’s mining sector remained largely unexplored and required investment to unlock its potential.
He said the region had introduced regulations and an online portal to facilitate investors in applying for mineral exploration and mining licences.
However, he identified poor connectivity and energy shortages as major challenges facing the mining sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said these issues affected both local communities and investors and created hurdles in developing the region’s mineral resources.
The chief minister said Gilgit-Baltistan offered a peaceful environment and welcomed international investment from all countries.
He said the region had liberal investment policies, including opportunities for public-private partnerships, particularly in the energy sector.
Highlighting Gilgit-Baltistan’s hydropower potential, he said investment in the sector could also help address Pakistan’s wider energy crisis.
He stressed the need to prioritise hydropower projects and improve air connectivity to facilitate investors visiting Gilgit-Baltistan and exploring its mining sites.
He said infrastructure and connectivity challenges needed to be addressed to attract international investors and develop the region’s mineral sector.
