Riyadh, January 13, 2026: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik is in Riyadh leading a high-level Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
On the sidelines of the forum, Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector. The meeting focused on joint investment opportunities, collaboration across the mineral value chain, and avenues for technical and knowledge sharing.
The Saudi minister appreciated Pakistan’s active participation in FMF 2026, noting the growing global emphasis on mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi collaboration in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s technical expertise and institutional knowledge would be extended to support Pakistan’s mineral development. He also underscored Pakistan’s young and dynamic workforce as a significant advantage.
Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation in the minerals sector. He shared that the Geological Survey of Pakistan is working towards collaboration with the Saudi Geological Survey and highlighted the immense mineral potential of the Tethyan Belt, noting that Reko Diq represents only a small portion of its overall prospects. He also identified fertilizer production and medical equipment manufacturing as promising areas for joint ventures.
The Pakistani delegation includes senior policymakers, heads of state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, and key mining sector stakeholders. Participants include Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Mari Energies, Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Saindak Metals, Balochistan-based mineral companies, and specialized service providers.
Pakistan’s participation at FMF 2026 is being organized by PPL in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). Under the theme “Mineral Marvel – Unleashing Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution,” the Pakistan Pavilion highlights the country’s diverse geology, flagship mining projects, and investment opportunities.
H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and extended full support for Pakistan’s participation. He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, stating that Pakistan’s presence at FMF 2026 would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.
During his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion, H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef praised the efforts of the Pakistani team, particularly the pavilion’s distinctive design and strong visual impact.
