Islamabad : Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has said that with vast mineral reserves beneath the feet of the people, skilled hands, and a transparent mineral policy in place, there is no room for despair or inaction. He expressed strong confidence that Pakistan is ready to emerge as a leader in the global mineral economy.
Addressing the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad, General Asim Munir welcomed international institutions to Pakistan and encouraged them to share their expertise to help develop the country’s mineral potential.
He urged global stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and become partners in unlocking the vast potential of Pakistan’s natural resources. “To extract this wealth, we need engineers, geologists, operators, and experienced miners,” he noted.
The COAS also highlighted the ongoing training of Pakistani students abroad, mentioning that currently 27 students from Balochistan are receiving training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina.
He emphasized that Pakistan aims to build a skilled workforce and develop human capital to support the growth of the mining sector. “Economic security has now emerged as a vital component of national security,” he added.
General Munir reassured investors that they can trust Pakistan as a reliable partner. He said the Pakistan Army will ensure a robust security framework and proactive measures to safeguard the interests and confidence of partners and investors.
He further stated that the development of both upstream and downstream mineral industries will be ensured within Pakistan. Investment in refining and value addition, he said, is essential to reduce costs and diversify markets.
“Given the vast mineral reserves under our land, skilled manpower, and a transparent policy framework, we must move forward. There is no space for hopelessness or stagnation. Strive—for your country and yourselves,” he urged.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Baloch tribal elders for their significant contributions in promoting mining activities and the development of Balochistan.
The COAS concluded by saying that collective efforts can transform Pakistan’s mineral sector into a driver of regional development, prosperity, and long-term sustainability.
