ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has pledged full military support to secure investor confidence and national interests in Balochistan’s mineral sector. His assurance came during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, held in the federal capital on Tuesday.
General Munir said the Pakistan Army will build a strong security framework for mining projects. He stressed that economic security is now a core part of national stability, and the armed forces are ready to assist in developing the country’s mineral wealth.
Speaking to local and foreign participants at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, he urged global partners to explore Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves. “We invite international firms to share their expertise and invest in our resources,” he said. He added that Pakistan has the potential to become a world leader in minerals.
The army chief mentioned that 27 students from Balochistan are receiving advanced training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina. This step aims to develop a skilled workforce for the local mining sector.
General Munir emphasized the need to go beyond extraction. He called for investments in refining units and value-added industries. “For cost reduction and access to diverse markets, both upstream and downstream development is vital,” he explained.
He said Pakistan’s resource-rich land, trained manpower, and transparent policies have created the right environment. “There is no room for delay or failure,” he noted.
The army chief praised Baloch tribal elders for supporting mining initiatives in the region. He appreciated their role in promoting peace and enabling economic activity.
General Munir assured both local and foreign investors that Pakistan is a dependable and committed partner in the mining sector. “With collective effort, the country’s mineral wealth can bring prosperity to the entire region,” he said.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) spans two days, April 8 and 9. Around 2,000 participants are attending the event. The forum is designed to highlight Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves spread across 600,000 square kilometers.
Over 300 foreign delegates are present. The list includes officials and business leaders from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, the US, and several European and African countries. Notable institutions like the Asian Development Bank, US Exim Bank, and CEOs of mining companies from Denmark, Finland, Kenya, and the UK are also taking part.
The event is expected to result in multiple investment agreements and MoUs. These will help unlock Pakistan’s untapped mining potential.
Although rich in minerals, the sector contributes just 3.2% to the national GDP. Export-wise, it accounts for only 0.1% of global figures. Officials believe this can change with better infrastructure, more exploration, and foreign investment.
A major development at the forum will be the launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025. The federal government hopes this policy will attract new investments and streamline the mining sector.
Representing the United States, Eric Meyer from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs is attending to promote US interests in Pakistan’s growing minerals industry.
