Pakistan moving from potential to production and promises to action, says Munir

Islamabad — Report By Muhammad Saleem

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that Pakistan is taking every possible measure to ensure the security of the entire mining ecosystem as it seeks to become a competitive destination for long-term mineral investment.
Addressing participants on the second day of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, Field Marshal Munir said that mines, miners, investments, industries, projects and all personnel associated with the sector would be provided adequate protection.
He said that turning Pakistan’s mineral wealth into tangible economic gains was a collective national goal, adding that the country must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop the complete value chain domestically, including refining and manufacturing.
The field marshal stressed that communities in mineral-rich areas must directly benefit from mining projects, while long-term partnerships should create lasting value for both Pakistan and its international partners.
He urged the country to move “from potential to production, from promises to action, and from raw exports to value-added growth,” positioning the minerals sector as a driver of economic growth, employment and industrial development.