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Pakistan Mineral Wealth must become a foundation for national development, industrial expansion and long-term economic prosperity, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said, calling for a comprehensive strategy to unlock the country’s natural resources.
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized that Pakistan must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop domestic refining, processing and manufacturing capabilities. He also stressed that communities living in mineral-rich areas must directly benefit from the development of these resources.
Asim Munir Calls for Mineral Sector Transformation
Field Marshal Munir described the effective utilization of Pakistan’s mineral resources as a collective national objective, stressing that the country needs a coordinated strategy to turn its natural wealth into sustainable economic opportunities.
He said Pakistan possesses considerable mineral potential, but realizing its full value requires a shift in priorities, particularly towards domestic industrial development and value addition.
His remarks came during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, held in Islamabad on November 12 and 13. The event brought together government representatives, international investors, mining companies and industry experts to explore opportunities in the country’s mineral sector.
The forum’s agenda included discussions on exploration, investment, mining projects, geological surveys and the development of investor-ready mining jurisdictions.
Pakistan Mineral Wealth Requires Domestic Value Addition
A central point of Field Marshal Munir’s address was the need to establish the complete mineral value chain within Pakistan.
He said the country’s objective should not be restricted to extracting minerals and exporting them in their raw form. Instead, Pakistan should develop facilities for refining, processing and manufacturing to retain a greater share of the economic value generated by its natural resources.
Domestic processing could support the development of industries linked to metals, engineering, transportation and manufacturing.
It could also create opportunities for technology transfer, skilled employment and investment in industrial infrastructure.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum has similarly identified local value addition, downstream industries, modern technology and sustainable mining as important areas for sector development.
Benefits for Mineral-Rich Communities
Field Marshal Munir also highlighted the importance of ensuring that mineral development improves the lives of people residing in resource-rich regions.
He said communities located near mineral deposits should receive direct economic benefits from mining activities, adding that development must produce visible and meaningful improvements in their living standards.
This requires local populations to become active participants in the economic opportunities created by mineral projects.
Employment, vocational training, infrastructure, business opportunities and improved public services can help connect mining investment with regional development.
The Chief of Defence Forces stressed that the success of the mineral sector should not be measured solely through extraction or export figures but also through its contribution to public welfare.
His emphasis on local participation is consistent with the forum’s broader focus on responsible mining, community impact and equitable sharing of economic benefits.
International Investment and Long-Term Partnerships
The Chief of Defence Forces said Pakistan wants to develop long-term partnerships that generate sustainable economic value for both the country and its international partners.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources effectively and taking advantage of investment opportunities through cooperation with international stakeholders.
The two-day forum provides a platform for connecting Pakistan’s mining industry with global investors, financial institutions, technology providers and mining companies.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the event was designed to highlight opportunities in copper, gold and other critical minerals while promoting foreign investment, modern technology and international cooperation.
Pakistan’s mineral potential has attracted attention because of growing international demand for metals and critical minerals used in manufacturing, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
However, converting investor interest into productive projects will require effective implementation, infrastructure development, regulatory consistency and cooperation between federal and provincial authorities.
From Mineral Potential to Industrial Growth
Field Marshal Munir expressed confidence in the abilities and determination of the Pakistani people, describing them as hardworking, courageous and committed to achieving national objectives.
He said natural resources create opportunities, but transforming those opportunities into tangible economic results depends on the skills, dedication and efforts of the population.
He called for Pakistan to move from potential to production, from promises to practical action, and from raw mineral exports towards value-added economic development.
The broader objective is to establish the mining sector as a contributor to economic stability, industrial expansion, employment generation and public prosperity.
For Pakistan, the next major challenge will be to translate its mineral potential and international investment interest into operational projects, domestic manufacturing capacity and sustainable benefits for resource-rich communities.
Field Marshal Munir stressed that developing the mineral sector as an engine of national economic strength and public welfare is now an important priority.See More on Pulse Pakistan
