Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik jointly launched, along with British High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E. Jane Marriott, a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s geoscientific capabilities and supporting the development of the country’s mineral sector. The programme was formally inaugurated at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), marking a significant step in Pakistan-UK collaboration.
The initiative is being delivered through the UK-funded REMIT programme in partnership with International Geoscience Services (IGS), a UK-based geoscience consultancy with extensive experience in supporting geological survey organizations worldwide. The programme will run from April to July 2026 and aims to strengthen GSP’s technical capability through hands-on training aligned with international standards.
Speaking at the event, the Minister expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner for support and said that the timing of the initiative was particularly appropriate, noting that recent geopolitical developments and conflicts have once again exposed the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on hydrocarbons. He emphasized that strengthening institutions such as GSP is essential to position Pakistan as an attractive destination for mineral exploration and investment, especially in view of the growing global demand for minerals.
He reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to developing the mineral sector in a sustainable, transparent, and investor-friendly manner. The Minister appreciated the support of the British High Commission and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and acknowledged the personal engagement of the High Commissioner in advancing the collaboration. He welcomed greater participation of international partners, particularly from the United Kingdom, across different segments of Pakistan’s mineral value chain.
He said the programme launched at GSP would help equip Pakistani scientists with modern tools, improve workflows, and enhance institutional capability.
British High Commissioner Ms. Jane Marriott reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic development through technical cooperation and institutional strengthening. She praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and noted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had also expressed gratitude in the UK Parliament to the Pakistani government for its efforts to promote peace.
She further said that Pakistan has extraordinary geological potential, but realizing it depends on trustworthy data collated through modern methods. “Through this partnership, the UK is supporting Pakistan to build the skills, systems and credibility needed to attract responsible investment and unlock long-term economic potential across the country,” she added.
The launch event took place at the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories (GSP) in Islamabad and was attended by senior representatives from the Government of Pakistan, including the Hamid Yaqob Sheikh, Secretary Petroleum Division, Dr Hamid Ashraf, Advisor GSP, Adnan Alam Awan, Director?General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan, and other senior officials.
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