Asim Munir highlights investor security, industrial development and local community benefits at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has called for transforming Pakistan’s mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth, stressing the importance of long-term investment, industrial development and value addition in the mining sector.
Addressing participants at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, Munir said Pakistan aimed to establish itself as a competitive destination for long-term investment in its mineral resources.
He said the country was taking all possible measures to ensure the security of the entire mining ecosystem, assuring investors that mines, miners, investments, industries, projects and people associated with the sector would be protected.
Describing mineral development as a shared national objective, Munir said Pakistan’s ambition went beyond exporting raw materials. He emphasised the need to develop the entire value chain, including refining and manufacturing, to maximise the economic benefits of the country’s natural resources.
He also highlighted the importance of building long-term partnerships capable of delivering sustainable economic benefits for Pakistan and its international partners.
According to Munir, creating an investment-friendly environment was essential to encouraging lasting cooperation, attracting international investors and strengthening industrial development.
The army chief stressed that mineral exploration and mining activities should also improve the lives of communities in resource-rich areas. He said local populations must experience tangible benefits from mining projects and related investments.
Highlighting the country’s human potential, Munir described Pakistanis as hardworking, courageous and determined people capable of turning national ambitions into reality.
He said Pakistan’s natural resources presented significant opportunities, but its people remained the country’s greatest strength in achieving its development objectives.
Munir called for shifting the national focus from potential to production, promises to practical action and raw material exports to value-added economic growth.
He emphasised that investment, stronger industrial capacity and international partnerships were essential to developing the mineral sector and ensuring its contribution to Pakistan’s long-term economic progress.
His remarks underscored the importance of moving beyond the extraction and export of unprocessed minerals towards building domestic refining, manufacturing and industrial capabilities.
Concluding his address, Munir expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to transform its natural wealth into opportunities for national development, sustainable economic growth and mutually beneficial international cooperation.
About The Author
