Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring a strong security framework to protect the interests and bolster the confidence of foreign investors in Balochistan, as Pakistan hosts the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25).
The two-day high-level event, aimed at showcasing the country’s vast mining and mineral potential, has drawn around 300 international delegates and industry stakeholders from across the globe. The forum highlights opportunities in all four provinces, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Speaking at the forum, Gen Munir emphasized that economic security is now a central pillar of national security and that Balochistan—rich in untapped mineral resources—is a focal point for Pakistan’s economic growth.
“The military will ensure that a robust security framework — along with proactive measures — is built to protect the interests and confidence of partners and investors looking to invest in Balochistan,” the army chief said, according to Pakistan Television (PTV) News.
He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s emergence as a key player in the global mineral economy and invited international institutions to partner with Pakistan by sharing technical expertise and investing in the country’s resource-rich sectors.
“I firmly believe that Pakistan is poised to emerge as a leader in the global mineral economy,” Gen Munir said.
He added that the military was actively supporting the development of skilled human resources for the sector, with 27 students from Balochistan currently undergoing mineral exploration training in Zambia and Argentina. This initiative is part of broader efforts to create a qualified local workforce capable of supporting upstream and downstream mineral industries.
Highlighting the need for in-country value addition, Gen Munir stressed:
“It is important that investment is made in refining and value addition in Pakistan to improve cost efficiency and diversify markets.”
He lauded the contributions of Baloch tribal elders in facilitating mining development, calling for national unity and collective efforts to harness Pakistan’s mineral wealth.
“Let us move forward, and struggle for the country and yourself,” he urged participants.
While the forum marks a significant step in promoting foreign investment, Pakistan continues to face security challenges—particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—where foreign nationals have been targeted in a series of attacks in recent years.
Incidents such as the suicide attack near Karachi airport in November 2024, which claimed the lives of two Chinese citizens, and the October 2024 massacre of 20 miners in Duki, Balochistan, underline the complex security landscape.
Despite these challenges, Gen Munir assured that Pakistan remains a reliable partner committed to providing a secure and enabling environment for investment.
“You can count on Pakistan as a reliable partner,” he said.
With PMIF25 underway, Pakistan hopes to turn a new chapter in its economic development by unlocking its mineral potential through international cooperation, expertise, and strategic security support.
