KARACHI: Minis­ter for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain.

The federal minister is currently in Riyadh, leading a Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Saudi minister noted that global focus has increasingly shifted towards mining and critical minerals.

He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Mauritius envoy

Separately, Mauritius High Commissioner Munsoo Kurrimbaccus underscored the need for collective efforts to restore the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that previously existed between Pakistan and Mauritius, under which approximately 120 commodities enjoyed preferential market access.

He noted that the agreement became inactive due to various reasons and stressed that its revival could significantly boost bilateral trade.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2026