Mineral development must bring tangible benefits to local communities, says Field Marshal Asim Munir

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that making Pakistan’s mineral wealth productive is a collective national goal, stressing that mineral development must bring tangible benefits to local communities.

Addressing a conference in Islamabad, the Field Marshal said that people living in mineral-rich areas should see a concrete improvement in their lives as a result of development. He added that Pakistan’s aim is not merely to export raw materials but to develop the entire value chain, from refining to manufacturing.

He stressed the need for fostering long-term partnerships that create sustainable economic value for Pakistan and its partners.

CDF Munir said that the people of Pakistan are hardworking, courageous and determined, with great potential to turn their dreams into reality, adding that our resources provide opportunities, while our people are the source of strength and determination to achieve results.

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