Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday visited the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) headquarters in Islamabad, where he reviewed the agency’s ongoing projects and called for a national, technology-driven approach to resource exploration. As reported by PTV.
Briefed by senior officials, Malik was updated on geological surveys, mineral mapping, and exploration initiatives aimed at identifying untapped reserves across the country. He lauded GSP’s efforts in uncovering new resource potential and underscored the importance of modernizing exploration tools and techniques.
“Exploration of minerals and hydrocarbons is a matter of national interest,” the minister said, emphasizing that such efforts must rise above political divisions. “It is unfortunate when natural resources are used for political point scoring,” he added, calling for equitable benefits for both local communities and the country at large.
Highlighting GSP’s essential role in supplying key data for exploration, Malik reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting the institution through access to advanced equipment, global partnerships, and technical training. He backed GSP’s initiative to achieve ISO certification for its laboratories and praised the organization’s use of satellite imaging technologies in its accelerated mapping program — particularly in previously unexplored regions.
During his visit, Malik toured GSP’s labs and data centers, engaging with geologists and researchers on-site. He assured them of the government’s full support in addressing institutional challenges and achieving breakthroughs in resource discovery.
The visit reflects the government’s broader strategy to harness Pakistan’s natural resources, reduce dependence on energy imports, and attract investment through transparent and sustainable development. Malik’s remarks align closely with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive growth fueled by indigenous resource potential.
