Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has called for turning Pakistan’s mineral wealth into a driver of national development and economic prosperity. Addressing the ongoing Minerals Forum in Islamabad on Friday, he stressed the need for a coordinated strategy to unlock the sector’s full potential. He said Pakistan must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop the entire value chain, including refining, processing and manufacturing. This approach would help the country gain greater economic benefits from its natural resources. The field marshal also emphasised that mineral development must improve the lives of people in resource-rich regions. He said local communities should directly benefit from the country’s natural wealth. Munir described the effective use of mineral resources as a shared national objective. He said the success of the sector should not depend solely on extraction and export figures, but also on improvements in living standards. He stressed that residents of mineral-rich areas must become part of the development process and see tangible benefits from economic activity in their regions. Highlighting the importance of industrial growth, he said Pakistan should establish domestic capabilities in refining, processing and manufacturing rather than rely on exports of unprocessed minerals. Developing the complete value chain could increase economic returns, encourage industrial activity, attract investment and create employment opportunities. He also called for long-term partnerships that could generate sustainable economic value for Pakistan and its international partners. The country, he said, must use its available resources effectively and make the most of investment opportunities in the mining sector. Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Pakistani people, describing them as hardworking, courageous and determined. He said their skills and commitment would play a central role in turning the country’s natural potential into tangible results. He stressed that Pakistan needed to move from potential to production, from promises to practical action, and from raw mineral exports to value-added economic growth. Developing the minerals sector as a source of economic stability, industrial expansion and public prosperity, he added, had become an important national priority. Post navigation New Provinces Mohsin Naqvi Calls for Public Referendum
