ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has accelerated its efforts to explore potential lithium resources amid rising import of batteries.
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) to analyse more than 2,000 underground water samples collected from selected wells.
The initiative aims to determine the presence and concentration of lithium and rare earth elements in the samples.
Lithium Concentration in Areas of Pakistan
An initial pilot study reported a lithium concentration of 291 milligrams per litre in water from the Wahid Bakhsh-01 well in Sindh.
However, the preliminary finding does not establish the size of Pakistan’s commercially recoverable lithium reserves or their economic viability. Further scientific investigation will be necessary to assess the country’s potential.
Meanwhile, rising imports of lithium-ion batteries are highlighting opportunities for domestic manufacturing.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Solar Association, Pakistan imported lithium-ion batteries with a combined capacity of approximately 5.39 gigawatt-hours between January 2025 and May 2026. The imports were valued at around $256.94 million.
Demand for these batteries is driven by applications including solar energy storage, household backup systems, industrial operations and electric vehicles.
This market could create opportunities for local battery production and assembly, potentially supporting industrial development and reducing reliance on imported products.
Several battery manufacturing proposals have also emerged. Work is reportedly underway with Chinese partners and local investors on a proposed $2.25 billion lithium-ion battery factory in Rawalpindi. Another plan involves establishing a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Karachi’s Korangi industrial area. The implementation and production capacity of both projects will depend on investment, regulatory approvals and successful completion.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum could provide an opportunity to attract international investment in mineral exploration, battery manufacturing, recycling and energy storage technologies.
