PTBP Web Desk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the critical importance of modernizing Pakistan’s geological and mineral exploration sector to unlock the country’s untapped natural resources and attract global investment. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the upgraded Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories (GARL) in Chak Shehzad, the prime minister said the government is committed to transforming the minerals sector into a major driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
He underscored that scientific innovation, technological advancement, and international collaboration are essential for the efficient and responsible development of the country’s vast mineral reserves. “Equipping the geological sector with modern tools and global expertise is vital to realizing Pakistan’s mineral potential,” Shehbaz Sharif remarked. “Facilities like GARL will enhance investor confidence through reliable, internationally recognized data and testing standards.”
The Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories, operated by the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), was initially established in 1991 to support geological and mineral research. The facility has now undergone a major technological upgrade, achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which allows it to conduct high-precision testing, calibration, and analysis in line with international best practices.
According to officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and the GSP, this accreditation marks a transformative step for Pakistan’s mineral sector. The upgraded GARL will not only enhance the country’s scientific capacity but also ensure that geological data generated within Pakistan meets global reporting standards, such as the JORC Code (Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves) and NI 43-101 (Canadian standard for mineral project reporting).
These internationally recognized benchmarks are critical for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mining and exploration industries. Accurate and transparent reporting allows investors to make informed decisions, minimizing risks and boosting confidence in the Pakistani market.
Officials explained that the newly upgraded GARL will serve as a national hub for geological research. The facility will play a key role in mineral exploration, feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and project development, helping to identify new deposits and improve the efficiency of existing operations.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader mineral sector modernization program, aimed at maximizing the contribution of natural resources to national development. The focus is not only on exploration but also on building a sustainable framework that ensures responsible extraction and environmental stewardship.
By developing cutting-edge research facilities and fostering collaboration with international institutions, the government aims to build local expertise capable of meeting future energy and industrial needs. This modernization effort is also expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly in remote and resource-rich regions of Pakistan such as Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s dedication to promoting scientific and technical progress in the mineral exploration sector. He highlighted that laboratories like GARL represent the intersection of science, technology, and investment, all of which are essential for national prosperity.
“The government is determined to transform the natural resource sector into a driver of economic growth,” he said. “Pakistan’s mineral wealth has remained underutilized for decades due to outdated methods and lack of global standardization. With the establishment of upgraded facilities like GARL, we are sending a strong message to the international community — Pakistan is open for investment, transparency, and innovation.”
Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani scientists, researchers, and technical experts working to strengthen the geological research landscape. He said that initiatives such as the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories will not only boost foreign investment but also empower local institutions to conduct world-class research independently.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Asim Munir, senior cabinet ministers, top government officials, and foreign dignitaries. Their presence underscored the national importance of this initiative, which ties directly into Pakistan’s strategic goals for economic security and self-reliance.
Representatives from the Geological Survey of Pakistan, the Ministry of Petroleum, and international research partners also participated in the event. They highlighted that the collaboration between scientific institutions and industry stakeholders will enable Pakistan to participate more competitively in the global minerals market.
General Asim Munir, during his brief remarks, emphasized the role of resource management and scientific modernization in strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundation. He reiterated the military’s support for development projects that contribute to national growth and long-term sustainability.
The establishment of the upgraded Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize the minerals sector, improve scientific research infrastructure, and enhance data accuracy to international levels. The initiative is expected to play a central role in future exploration projects, enabling Pakistan to better assess its natural wealth and attract large-scale investment in mining, refining, and processing.
By prioritizing innovation, accuracy, and transparency, the government aims to position Pakistan as a competitive destination for global investors in minerals such as copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements — resources that are vital to the world’s clean energy and technology industries.
The upgraded GARL will also support Pakistan’s ambitions to align with global sustainability standards, ensuring that economic growth in the minerals sector goes hand-in-hand with environmental protection and community development.
