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COAS Vows Strong Security for Investors in Balochistan
COAS Gen Asim Munir assures investors of robust security in Balochistan at Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, vowing support for mining growth and economic security.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-08
COAS Vows Strong Security for Investors in Balochistan

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding foreign investments in Balochistan, promising a comprehensive security framework to build investor confidence in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25), a two-day high-level event aimed at promoting mining and mineral development across Pakistan, the army chief emphasized that a proactive and reliable security strategy is essential for attracting and retaining foreign investors.

“We will ensure that a robust security framework — along with proactive measures — is built to protect the interests and confidence of our partners and investors, especially in Balochistan,” Gen Munir said during his address, as reported by Pakistan Television (PTV).

With over 300 foreign delegates in attendance, PMIF25 serves as a strategic platform to showcase investment opportunities in Pakistan’s vast mineral reserves, spanning the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Gen Munir said that Pakistan had the potential to emerge as a global leader in the mineral economy and invited international institutions to share their expertise and join hands with Pakistan to develop its untapped resource wealth.

“To tap Pakistan’s mineral wealth, engineers, geologists, operators and expert miners are needed,” he noted, adding that efforts are already underway to build human capital in this area. “Currently, 27 Pakistani students from Balochistan are receiving training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina.”

He highlighted the military’s role in supporting economic security, calling it a vital component of national security. The development of upstream and downstream mineral industries would also be ensured, he said.

Gen Munir urged for greater investment in refining and value addition within Pakistan, stating that it would lead to better cost efficiency and market diversification. He emphasized that the country’s mineral wealth, expert manpower, and a transparent mineral policy created an environment of hope and opportunity.

“Let us move forward and struggle for the country and yourself,” he encouraged.

He also acknowledged the role of Baloch tribal elders in fostering development and encouraging mining activity in the province.

“Working together, Pakistan’s mineral sector can promote regional development, prosperity, and sustainability for collective benefit,” the army chief concluded.

While Pakistan continues to seek foreign investment in its resource-rich regions, particularly Balochistan, security concerns remain a key hurdle. Several attacks in recent years have targeted foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers, involved in mining and infrastructure projects.

Incidents such as:

  • The 2023 suicide attack near Karachi Airport that killed two Chinese nationals,
  • The killing of 20 miners in Duki,
  • And the 2022 suicide bombing at the Confucius Institute at Karachi University,

...have raised alarm bells regarding the safety of foreign workers.

Despite these challenges, the military leadership's assurances and commitment to investor safety are seen as a strategic step to counter security fears and encourage sustainable investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

 
Tagged:

COAS

AsimMunir

BalochistanSecurity

PMIF25

PakistanMinerals
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