ISLAMABAD – Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, on Thursday launched a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s geoscientific capabilities and supporting the development of the 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 organisations worldwide. The programme will run from April to July 2026 and aims to enhance GSP’s technical capacity through hands-on training aligned with international standards.
Minister’s Remarks
Speaking at the event, the minister expressed gratitude to the British official for her support and said the timing of the initiative was particularly appropriate. He said that recent geopolitical developments and conflicts had once again exposed the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on hydrocarbons.
Malik emphasised that strengthening institutions such as the GSP was 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’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, and acknowledged the high commissioner’s personal engagement in advancing the collaboration. He welcomed greater participation of international partners, particularly from the UK, across various segments of Pakistan’s mineral value chain. He added that the programme launched at GSP would help equip Pakistani scientists with modern tools, improve workflows, and enhance institutional capacity.
British High Commissioner’s Remarks
Marriott reaffirmed the UK’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 said Pakistan possessed extraordinary geological potential, but realising it depended on reliable data generated 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.
Event Attendance
The launch event was held at the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories in Islamabad and was attended by senior representatives, including Petroleum Division Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh, GSP Adviser Dr Hamid Ashraf, GSP Director General Adnan Alam Awan, and other senior officials.
Analysis: A Strategic Partnership
The Pakistan-UK initiative to strengthen geoscientific capacity comes at a critical time. As the minister noted, recent geopolitical developments have exposed the vulnerabilities of excessive dependence on hydrocarbons. Diversifying into minerals — including critical minerals needed for the global energy transition — could reduce Pakistan’s vulnerability to oil price shocks.
The partnership with the UK’s International Geoscience Services brings international expertise to Pakistan’s Geological Survey. The training programme, running from April to July, is designed to bring GSP’s technical capacity up to international standards.
The British High Commissioner’s reference to Prime Minister Starmer’s expression of gratitude in the UK Parliament to Pakistan for its peace efforts underscores the diplomatic dimension of the partnership. The UK has been supportive of Pakistan’s mediation role between the US and Iran, and this technical collaboration is part of a broader bilateral relationship.
For Pakistan, unlocking the mineral sector’s potential could provide a new source of export earnings and reduce dependence on imports. For the UK, supporting Pakistan’s economic development is in its strategic interest. The initiative is a win-win.
