Pakistan army to provide strong security framework for mineral sector investors

Dubai: Pakistan is stepping up efforts to harness its vast mineral wealth, with both the government and military pledging strong support to attract local and international investors.

In a strong commitment to securing the interests of investors, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said that the Pakistan Army would provide a robust security framework for both local and international investors in the country’s mineral sector.

The Army is prepared to play a proactive role in safeguarding investments, thereby fostering confidence and boosting economic growth in this vital industry.

Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) on Tuesday, General Munir said that economic security is now a fundamental pillar of national security. He expressed the military’s readiness to support the development of Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, aiming to position the country as a global leader in the sector.

Explore investment

General Munir called upon international organisations to bring their expertise and resources to explore investment opportunities within Pakistan’s mineral-rich territories. He urged for collaboration in unlocking the country’s untapped potential, stating that Pakistan requires skilled professionals such as engineers, geologists, operators, and miners to realise its true mineral wealth.

As part of ongoing efforts to develop a skilled workforce, 27 students from Balochistan are currently receiving specialised training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina. This initiative is a step toward building a domestic talent pool capable of supporting the mining sector’s growth, according to Pakistan’s official media.

Value addition

The COAS also highlighted the importance of not just extracting resources, but also investing in refining and value-added industries within Pakistan. “Developing both upstream and downstream industries will reduce costs and open new markets,” he noted. He added that with substantial mineral reserves, a capable workforce, and a transparent policy framework in place, Pakistan must not miss the opportunity to unlock its full economic potential.

Gen Munir also acknowledged the vital contributions of Baloch tribal elders in fostering mining activities and promoting regional development in Balochistan, a key mineral-rich area.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a major initiative for economic development, invited investors to explore the country’s abundant natural resources, valued at trillions of dollars. His appeal was made during the opening of the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) on Tuesday, where he expressed confidence that utilising these resources would help Pakistan break free from loans and pave the way for a self-sustained economy.

Prime Minister Sharif

Addressing the forum, Prime Minister Sharif underscored the immense potential of the nation’s mineral sector, emphasising that Pakistan would no longer allow raw materials to be exported without value addition. He highlighted the need to focus on exporting finished and semi-finished products, which he argued would create a “win-win” situation for both Pakistan and its international partners.

Additionally, he proposed joint partnerships for establishing vocational training centres to equip the youth with modern skills required for the mining sector, including technology transfer over time.

“Pakistan’s mineral wealth is a cornerstone for our economic future, and we are determined to ensure that these resources benefit the nation and the world,” Sharif said.

Vast potential

Despite its vast potential, the mineral sector currently contributes only 3.2% to Pakistan’s GDP, with exports accounting for a mere 0.1% of global totals. However, experts are optimistic that with increased exploration, foreign investment, and infrastructure development, the sector is poised for substantial growth.

The two-day PMIF25 event, which is taking place in Islamabad from April 8 to 9, has attracted around 2,000 attendees, including 300 international representatives from countries such as Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States. The event aims to showcase Pakistan’s enormous mineral potential and encourage global investment.

The forum will also witness the official launch of the National Minerals Harmonisation Framework 2025 by the federal government, designed to attract further investment into the sector. It is expected that several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the event.

Notable attendees include Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, who is representing the United States to advance American interests in Pakistan’s mineral industry.

The PMIF25 highlights the government’s efforts to build a strong partnership with both local and foreign stakeholders, aiming to transform Pakistan’s mineral sector into a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity.