Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has said the government along with state institutions ensured the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council to bring the stakeholders at one platform.

Addressing the Pakistan Mineral Summit on Tuesday, he said it had laid down new rules for ‘ease of doing business’ for domestic and foreign investors in the country.

“It is our social responsibility to play our collective role in the country’s economy. We must never lose hope. Our land is endowed with many minerals and to fully utilise this potential, we invite foreign investors to play their role in discovering the hidden treasures of Pakistan,” he stated.

“We will ensure an investor-friendly system that avoids unnecessary delays and provides easy terms and conditions for business. There are vast mining opportunities in our country which will be realised through joint efforts,” he added.

The Army Chief thanked the foreign delegates and investors for participating in the moot, which was the first such event in the country.

He also thanked Barrick Gold Corporation CEO and President Mark Bristow and Saudi Mining Minister Engineer Khalid bin Saleh Al Madifar and other investors.

COAS Munir stressed persistence for staying on the path of peace and prosperity and said the mineral-related projects were the stepping stone, which would eventually lead towards the development of the masses.

Referring to natural resources of the country, he said: “Just look at your country, from the snow-capped mountains to the vastness of the deserts, from the coastline to the plains. What else is not there in this land?”

The army chief noted: “If the nation has profound commitment, then the sky is the limit and its vastness awaits us.”