Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir assured both local and international investors that the Pakistan Army would provide a robust security framework and take proactive measures to safeguard their interests, with the aim of bolstering confidence in the country’s mineral sector.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 on Tuesday, General Munir emphasized that economic security has become a crucial pillar of national security, and the military is prepared to play its role in supporting the development of Pakistan’s mineral wealth.
He highlighted Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a global leader in the mineral sector and invited international organizations to contribute their expertise, explore investment opportunities, and collaborate in harnessing the country’s vast resource base.
“To unlock Pakistan’s mineral wealth, we require engineers, geologists, operators, and skilled miners,” the army chief stated. He mentioned that 27 students from Balochistan are currently undergoing specialized training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina as part of efforts to build a skilled domestic workforce for the sector.
General Munir underscored the importance of investing not only in extraction but also in refining and value-added industries within Pakistan. “The 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 room for inaction or disappointment, General Munir explained.
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 stating that through collective efforts, Pakistan’s mineral sector can drive regional prosperity and sustainable economic growth.
PMIF25
The two-day PMIF25 is being held in the federal capital, with an estimated attendance of 2,000 people, to showcase the nation’s immense mineral potential.
During the event from April 8 to 9, the government will present Pakistan’s mineral-rich terrain, which spans approximately 600,000 square kilometers.
Attendees include 300 representatives from overseas. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, the US State Department, the US Exim Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and CEOs of mining companies from Denmark, Kenya, Finland, and the UK are among the participants.
A number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed at the forum.
Despite its vast potential, the mineral sector currently contributes only 3.2% to Pakistan’s GDP, with exports accounting for a mere 0.1% of the global total.
However, with increased exploration, foreign investment, and infrastructural development, the industry is poised for significant growth.
A key highlight of the forum will be the official launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 by the federal government, aimed at attracting investment in the mineral sector.
The United States will be represented by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, to advance US interests in the mineral sector.
