Pakistan, Canada pledge to deepen cooperation in minerals and energy

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan on Wednesday to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors, a press release said.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner highlighted the success of Barrick Gold at Reko Diq as a model for Pakistan-Canada mineral collaboration and said Canada is working to attract more companies to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF). He also noted the evolving global landscape, stressing that a multilateral world based on shared interests and values offers opportunities for engagement with Pakistan.

Sharing his visit to the Reko Diq site, Tarik Ali Khan praised community development initiatives, including schools, hospitals, and water purification projects. He also confirmed that the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada is prepared to support mineral sector cooperation and invited Pakistan to participate in PDAC 2026, the global mineral exploration and mining convention in Canada, to showcase its mineral potential to international investors.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Reko Diq had secured international financing, marking one of the country’s largest funding rounds, and stressed Pakistan’s commitment to labour safety and ESG compliance. He welcomed Canada’s offer of technical and intellectual support in the energy sector, noting it would strengthen systems and boost investor confidence.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation in minerals and energy as a central pillar of Pakistan-Canada relations.