- Initiative aims to strengthen the Geological Survey of Pakistan through international-standard training and digital surveying techniques
ISLAMABAD – A new United Kingdom-funded programme is set to enhance Pakistan’s ability to generate reliable geological data, creating a foundation for sustainable growth in the country’s mining and minerals sector.
Delivered through the UK-supported REMIT programme in collaboration with International Geoscience Services (IGS)—a UK-based consultancy with extensive experience advising geological survey organisations worldwide—the initiative will run from April to July 2026. Its primary focus is to elevate the technical capacity of the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) through hands-on training aligned with global best practices.
Ali Pervaiz Malik
Comprehensive Training in Digital Geoscience Techniques
The programme will provide GSP with targeted training across several critical areas, including digital geological surveying, geochemical sampling, airborne geophysics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Collectively, these components establish a complete end-to-end digital survey workflow—from field data collection and laboratory analysis to GIS-based interpretation and final geological mapping.
High Commissioner: “Credible Data Key to Unlocking Pakistan’s Potential”
Jane Marriott CMG OBE, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, said:
“Pakistan has extraordinary geological potential, but realising 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.”
Federal Minister Welcomes UK Support
Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum, added:
“I thank the British High Commission for their support. At a time of global uncertainty, strengthening the Geological Survey of Pakistan is vital to reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and attracting mineral investment.”
Building Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Investment
The partnership will equip the GSP with the tools and expertise required to independently design and execute future national surveys to investor-facing international standards. Sustainable growth, the programme emphasises, is underpinned by strong institutions and the active inclusion of local communities.
Launch Event in Islamabad
The official launch took place at the Geoscience Advanced Research Laboratories in Islamabad. Attendees included senior representatives from the Government of Pakistan, among them Federal Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik, Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan Adnan Alam Awan, and other senior officials.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
