Islamabad: Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s mineral sector cannot undergo meaningful transformation without the involvement of strategic partners, stressing the need for foreign investment, modern technology, and long-term planning to unlock the country’s vast mineral potential. Addressing a conference on mineral development, the minister said Pakistan possesses significant untapped mineral resources but lacks the technical expertise, financial capacity, and infrastructure required to fully exploit them. Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that the government was working on policy reforms aimed at making the mineral sector more attractive to investors. The planning minister said that developing the mineral sector could play a key role in strengthening the national economy, creating employment opportunities, and increasing export earnings. Officials believe that a revitalised mineral sector, supported by credible international partners, could contribute significantly to long-term economic growth.