Pakistan and UK Launch Geoscientific Initiative to Enhance Mineral Sector

On April 16, 2026, Pakistan and the United Kingdom jointly launched a strategic initiative to bolster Pakistan’s geoscientific capabilities and stimulate the development of its mineral sector. The inauguration was led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in Islamabad.

This initiative is part of the UK-funded REMIT programme, delivered in partnership with International Geoscience Services (IGS), a consultancy renowned for its global expertise in geological surveys. The programme, set to run from April to July 2026, focuses on enhancing GSP’s technical capacity through hands-on training aligned with international standards.

Minister Malik expressed gratitude to the British officials for their support, emphasizing the initiative’s timely relevance amidst geopolitical tensions that highlight the risks of over-reliance on hydrocarbons. He underscored the importance of strengthening institutions like the GSP to position Pakistan as a prime location for mineral exploration and investment.

The collaboration aims to equip Pakistani scientists with modern tools, improve workflows, and boost institutional capacity, thereby making Pakistan’s mineral sector more attractive to investors. British High Commissioner Marriott reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic development through technical cooperation and institutional strengthening, praising the country’s diplomatic efforts for peace.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 17, 2026
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