Pakistan to Move Beyond Raw Mineral Exports: Army Chief

News Desk

Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to becoming an attractive and competitive destination for global mineral investment, emphasizing that securing the country’s mining sector and ensuring a favorable investment environment are national priorities.

Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, the Army Chief said transforming Pakistan into a reliable hub for mineral investment was a collective national responsibility rather than the task of any single institution.

He stressed that the entire mining ecosystem would be secured, with particular attention to protecting mines and the workers employed in them.

Highlighting the economic significance of Pakistan’s mineral wealth, Field Marshal Asim Munir said the country’s natural resources could serve as a major driver of economic growth, strengthen the national economy and open new avenues for long-term prosperity. He emphasized the need for strategic planning and sustainable partnerships to fully realize this potential.

The Army Chief said Pakistan aimed to move beyond exporting raw minerals by developing a complete domestic value chain, including mineral processing, refining and manufacturing.

He maintained that economic self-reliance could only be achieved through value addition, industrial development and strengthening local production capacity. He also stressed the need to move beyond investment commitments and translate available opportunities into actual production and tangible economic outcomes.

Discussing the social impact of mining projects, he said the benefits of mineral development should extend beyond investors and industrial stakeholders to local communities in resource-rich areas.

He emphasized that employment generation, improved access to basic facilities and better living standards must form an integral part of mineral development initiatives.

Appreciating the potential of the Pakistani nation, the Army Chief described the people as hardworking, courageous and determined, saying they possessed the ability to turn national ambitions into reality.

He reiterated the commitment to creating a secure and business-friendly environment to attract both domestic and foreign investment in the mineral sector.

Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed confidence that the effective utilization of mineral resources, promotion of local industries and development of long-term partnerships would help strengthen Pakistan’s economic self-reliance and pave the way for sustainable development.