KEY POINTS
- Pakistan needs skilled mining professionals to harness its mineral wealth.
- Economic security turned into a critical component of national security.
- Twenty-seven students from Balochistan receiving training in Zambia and Argentina.
- Pakistan’s mineral sector can foster regional development, prosperity, and sustainability.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has proclaimed that Pakistan stands poised to take a leading role in the global mineral economy.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Army Chief stated that Pakistan welcomes international institutions to introduce their expertise, explore investment opportunities, and partner with the country in developing its vast resource potential.
The Army Chief emphasised that Pakistan needs engineers, geologists, operators, and skilled mining professionals to harness its mineral wealth. That is why students are being sent abroad for training to advance this sector.
He mentioned that currently, 27 Pakistani students from Balochistan are receiving training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina. He noted that the goal is to develop a strong workforce, expertise, and human resources for the mineral sector.
General Asim further stated that economic security has become a critical component of national security, assuring that the Pakistan Army would ensure a robust security framework and proactive measures to safeguard the interests and trust of partners and investors.
He also emphasised that the development of upstream and downstream mineral industries in Pakistan will be prioritised.
The Army Chief underlined the importance of investing in refining and value addition in Pakistan to optimise costs and diversify markets.
He pointed out that with vast mineral reserves beneath the feet of the Pakistani people, skills in their hands and with a transparent mineral policy in place, there is no room for despair or inaction.
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He urged the people to move forward and strive for both their country and themselves, reaffirming that Pakistanis collectively assure their partners and investors that utilising their expertise for business and mineral wealth extraction is a national aspiration. He expressed confidence that Pakistan can be trusted as a reliable partner.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the efforts of Baloch tribal elders, who have played a crucial role in promoting mining activities and advancing the development of Balochistan.
He remarked that through collaboration, Pakistan’s mineral sector can foster regional development, prosperity and sustainability for collective benefit.
