Islamabad:
The chief of staff of the army, General Syed Asim Munnir, said that Pakistan was ready to emerge as a leader in the world mineral economy.
Addressing Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said that Pakistan is hosting international institutions to introduce their expertise, explore investment opportunities and associate with the country to develop its vast resource potential.
The army chief stressed that Pakistan needs engineers, geologists, operators and professionals from qualified mine to exploit his mineral wealth. This is why students are sent abroad for training to advance this sector.
He said that currently twenty-seven Pakistani students from Baloutchistan are receiving training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina. He said that the objective was to develop solid workforce, expertise and human resources for the mineral sector.
General Syed Asim Munnir also said that economic security has become an essential component of national security. He assured that the Pakistani army would provide a solid security framework and proactive measures to protect the interests and confidence of partners and investors.
He also stressed that the development of mineral industries upstream and downstream in Pakistan will be prioritized.
The army chief stressed the importance of investing in refining and added value in Pakistan to optimize costs and diversify the markets.
He said that with large mineral reserves under the feet of the Pakistani people, skills in their hands and a transparent mineral policy in place, there is no room for despair or inaction.
He urged the people to move forward and to strive for their country and themselves.
General Syed Asim Munnir has reaffirmed that the Pakistani people collectively provide their partners and investors that the use of their expertise for the extraction of businesses and minerals is a national aspiration. He stressed that Pakistan can trust as a reliable partner with confidence.
The army chief also recognized the efforts of the former tribal Baloutques, who played a crucial role in promoting mining activities and the progression of the development of Balutchistan.
He pointed out that, thanks to collaboration, the mineral sector of Pakistan can promote regional development, prosperity and sustainability of collective advantages.
