Pakistan aiming to become competitive destination for long-term investment, CDF Munir tells minerals moot

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized Pakistan's ambition to become a competitive destination for long-term mineral investment during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad. Delegations from around the world gathered for the two-day event, where Pakistan showcased its mineral resources, including coal, salt, gold, and critical minerals, to attract international investment.

Munir assured that all measures were being taken to ensure the security of the entire mining ecosystem, highlighting that mines, miners, investments, industries, and associated personnel would be provided adequate protection. He stressed that harnessing Pakistan's mineral wealth was a collective national objective and aimed to develop the entire value chain, from refining to manufacturing, rather than merely exporting raw materials.

Munir also called for long-term partnerships that created sustainable economic value for the country and its partners, emphasizing that mineral development must benefit local communities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that Pakistan could become the world's sixth-largest economy earlier than 2050, recalling a Goldman Sachs projection that had initially predicted the sixth-place ranking by 2075.

He highlighted the imminent commencement of copper and gold production at Reko Diq, a project that had been stalled for two decades. The prime minister committed to ending the practice of shipping Pakistan's minerals out of the country in raw form, instead aiming for the establishment of refineries, smelters, and other industries in Reko Diq and other projects along the Tethyan belt.

He urged investors to mine, process, and manufacture in Pakistan before exporting to the rest of the world, emphasizing that this approach would create value for Pakistan and opportunities for investors. The prime minister also committed to simplifying procedures, eliminating bureaucratic delays, and ensuring complete transparency in awarding licenses and contracts to promote investor confidence.