Mineral development must bring tangible benefits to local communities: Field Marshal

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS and CDF), on Friday stressed that mines and mineral development must bring tangible benefits to local communities.

Addressing participants at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, the field marshal said Pakistan aimed to become a competitive destination for long-term mineral investment.

He said the security forces are taking all possible measures to ensure security across the entire mining ecosystem, adding that mines, miners, investments, industries, projects and people associated with the sector would be protected.

“Unlocking Pakistan’s mineral wealth is our collective national objective,” he said.

Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised that Pakistan’s objective was not limited to exporting raw materials but also included developing the entire value chain, from refining to manufacturing.

He said the country wanted to foster long-term partnerships that would generate sustainable economic value for Pakistan and its partners.

Stressing the importance of local participation, he said mineral development must translate into tangible benefits for communities living in resource-rich regions.

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The field marshal described Pakistanis as hardworking, courageous and determined people with tremendous potential to turn their aspirations into reality.

“Our resources provide opportunities, while our people are the source of strength and determination needed to achieve results,” he said.

He stressed the need to move from potential to production, from promises to implementation, and from raw exports to value-added growth.

The field marshal reiterated that developing Pakistan’s mineral resources required collective national efforts, sustained investment and long-term partnerships.