Pakistan, UK explore $400 million collaboration in minerals sector, expand energy cooperation

Federal Minister for Petroleum, Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Jane Marriott in Islamabad on January 20, 2026. Pakistan and the United Kingdom have initiated discussions on a potential $400 million partnership in the minerals sector, alongside expanding collaboration in oil, gas exploration, and offshore energy. The talks aim to boost foreign investment and strengthen sector governance as Pakistan seeks to improve its energy and minerals industries. The meeting, between Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, highlighted both countries’ interest in deepening bilateral ties across Pakistan’s energy and minerals value chain. High Commissioner Marriott emphasized the vast potential of Pakistan’s resources and praised ongoing economic reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate. She noted the UK’s interest in contributing its technical expertise to help Pakistan achieve its development objectives. A major point of discussion was the minerals sector, where progress is being made through a partnership between the British Geological Survey and the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP). The UK has offered up to $400 million to support the initiative, which aims to improve geological mapping, data quality, and institutional capacity. Minister Malik described the program as a transformative step for Pakistan’s minerals sector once finalised. The talks also addressed oil and gas exploration, with Minister Malik underlining the government’s commitment to transparent and investor-friendly processes. He stressed the importance of strengthening institutions in the energy sector to restore investor confidence and unlock new opportunities. A key area of focus was the restructuring and capacity building of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). Minister Malik proposed a diagnostic exercise, supported by the UK, to introduce modern governance and regulatory tools for improving Ogra’s effectiveness. High Commissioner Marriott agreed on the critical role of a capable regulator in ensuring the sector’s sustainability and expressed willingness to explore such initiatives jointly. Minister Malik encouraged British companies to explore offshore exploration opportunities in Pakistan, pointing to the country’s recent offshore bidding round, which attracted international interest, including from Turkish Petroleum. Marriott acknowledged the UK’s strong offshore capabilities, signaling significant potential for collaboration in this area. Additionally, the British High Commissioner was invited to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) in April 2026, following a successful turnout at the previous year’s forum. Marriott confirmed that the UK would engage British companies, particularly service providers, to ensure strong participation at the upcoming event.