Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir assured both local and international investors that the Pakistan Army would provide a strong security framework and take proactive steps to protect their interests, aiming to boost confidence in the country’s mineral sector.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 on Tuesday, General Munir emphasised that economic security has become a vital pillar of national security, and the military stands ready to play its role in supporting the development of Pakistan’s mineral wealth.
He highlighted Pakistan’s potential to become a global leader in the mineral sector and invited international organisations to bring their expertise, explore investment avenues, and collaborate in tapping the country’s vast resource base.
“To unlock Pakistan’s mineral wealth, we need engineers, geologists, operators, and skilled miners,” the army chief stated. He said that 27 students from Balochistan are currently undergoing specialised training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina as part of efforts to build a skilled domestic workforce for the sector.
General Munir stressed the importance of not just extraction but also investing in refining and value addition industries within Pakistan. “Development of both upstream and downstream mineral industries is essential to reduce costs and diversify markets,” he noted.
With significant reserves beneath Pakistan’s soil, a capable workforce, and a transparent mineral policy in place, the country has no space for inaction or disappointment, elaborated Gen Munir.
He assured Pakistani and international stakeholders that Pakistan can be relied upon as a confident and trustworthy partner in the mining sector.
Acknowledging the contributions of Baloch tribal elders, COAS Munir commended their role in promoting mining activity and regional development in Balochistan.
He concluded by saying that with collective efforts, Pakistan’s mineral sector can drive regional prosperity and sustainable economic growth.
