Addresses Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025, Assures Security and Welcomes Global Expertise
Key Takeaways:
i) – The Army Chief expressed strong confidence in Pakistan’s potential to become a leader in the global mineral economy.
ii) – He invited international institutions to share expertise, explore investment opportunities, and partner in developing Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, assuring a robust security framework.
iii) – Pakistan is focusing on developing its workforce by sending students abroad for training in mineral exploration and aims to foster both upstream and downstream mineral industries, emphasizing the importance of local refining and value addition.
Islamabad, Pakistan – April 10, 2025 – Addressing the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conveyed a strong belief in Pakistan’s readiness to emerge as a leading player in the global mineral economy. He emphasized the nation’s vast untapped mineral wealth and the strategic importance of the mineral sector for economic and national security.
The Army Chief extended a welcoming hand to international organizations, urging them to bring their expertise to Pakistan, identify investment prospects, and collaborate in the development of the country’s extensive resource potential. He assured potential partners and investors of a robust security framework and proactive measures to safeguard their interests and trust.
Highlighting the need for skilled professionals to harness Pakistan’s mineral resources, the COAS announced initiatives to develop the local workforce. This includes sending Pakistani students abroad for specialized training in mineral exploration, with 27 students from Balochistan currently receiving training in Zambia and Argentina. The aim is to cultivate the necessary manpower, expertise, and human resources for the growth of the mineral sector.
Acknowledging the contributions of Baloch tribal elders in promoting mining operations and the progress of Balochistan, the Army Chief called for collective effort to ensure that Pakistan’s mineral sector fosters regional development, prosperity, and sustainability for the collective benefit.
The COAS underscored the importance of developing both upstream and downstream mineral industries in Pakistan. He specifically pointed out the necessity of investing in refining and value addition within the country to optimize costs and diversify markets. He asserted that with substantial mineral reserves, a skilled workforce, and a transparent mineral policy, there is no room for despair or inaction.
Acknowledging the contributions of Baloch tribal elders in promoting mining operations and the progress of Balochistan, the Army Chief called for collective effort to ensure that Pakistan’s mineral sector fosters regional development, prosperity, and sustainability for the collective benefit. He assured potential partners and investors that leveraging their expertise to capitalize on Pakistan’s mineral wealth is a shared national aspiration, and they can rely on Pakistan as a confident partner.