ATW

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Islamabad: Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, paid a visit to the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in Islamabad today to assess its operations and explore ways to enhance the country’s capacity for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration.

During the visit, senior GSP officials provided an in-depth briefing on ongoing geological surveys, mineral mapping projects, and resource exploration initiatives aimed at uncovering new reserves across the country. The minister praised the organization’s recent progress in identifying untapped resources and emphasized the need to modernize exploration methods to better support Pakistan’s oil, gas, and mineral sectors—critical to meeting the nation's growing economic demands.

Minister Malik noted that the global shift toward critical minerals presents a major opportunity for Pakistan. He underscored that mining and mineral development transcend political affiliations and should be approached through the lens of national interest to ensure that the benefits reach local communities and contribute to overall national progress.

“The Geological Survey of Pakistan plays a vital role in the country’s development by supplying the foundational data needed for resource exploration,” said the minister. “With strategic investment in technology and skilled professionals, we can unlock substantial mineral potential to secure our economy and boost industrial advancement.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping GSP with cutting-edge tools and fostering international partnerships to accelerate geological research. The minister also lauded GSP’s accelerated mapping program, which employs advanced satellite imaging to survey previously unmapped areas—a step he said will significantly aid in tapping Pakistan’s resource wealth. He also noted that efforts to obtain ISO certification for the GSP laboratory are underway.

The minister toured key GSP facilities, including laboratories and data centers, alongside officials from the Ministry of Petroleum. He engaged with geologists and scientists, assuring them of full government support in addressing challenges and achieving breakthroughs in resource discovery.

This visit reflects the Prime Minister’s broader agenda to harness Pakistan’s natural resource potential to reduce reliance on energy imports, attract investment, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.