"Army Chief Asim Munir expresses disinterest in political positions, stating that his role is to protect, not seek power."
Pakistan's Army Chief Outlines Ambitious Economic Roadmap
Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the country, with a particular focus on the mineral sector and the Reko Diq mining project. During a recent gathering in Brussels, Belgium, Munir claimed that Pakistan could generate an annual net profit of approximately $2 billion from the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project starting next year, with profits expected to increase over time [1][2][3][4][5].
The Army Chief highlighted that Pakistan's rare earth mineral reserves represent a significant untapped treasure that could potentially reduce the country's debt and help transition Pakistan into one of the most prosperous societies within the next five to ten years. Munir also emphasized the importance of the Reko Diq project, predicting that from next year, Pakistan would earn a net profit of at least two billion dollars annually from the project, with this figure increasing year by year.
However, Munir's statements have been met with skepticism and criticism within Pakistan, given the country’s severe economic challenges and high poverty levels. Despite this, Munir denied any political ambitions, stating that he considers himself only a protector of Pakistan, not seeking political office [2][4][5].
In addition to his economic plans, Munir also addressed regional security concerns. He warned against India destabilizing Pakistan's peace through the use of "proxies." Munir also cautioned Afghanistan against pushing the Taliban into Pakistan, stating that it would be met with a response [1].
The Pakistani Army Chief's remarks were reported by the Pakistan-based newspapers Dawn and Jang. However, it's important to note that Munir did not mention any conspiracy against Pakistan in collaboration with India, contrary to the claims made by a columnist for the Jang media group.
Munir also expressed confidence in maintaining equilibrium between the US and China, and denied rumors about a potential change in the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan [6][7]. He reportedly said at the Brussels gathering that "God has made me protector of the country."
References:
[1] Dawn.com (2022). Pakistan Army chief warns India against destabilising Pakistan’s peace. [online] Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1671149
[2] Jang.com.pk (2022). Pak Army chief Asim Munir denies political ambitions, says he is a servant of the state. [online] Available at: https://www.jang.com.pk/news/1017554
[3] Thenews.com.pk (2022). Army chief Asim Munir says Pakistan will not sacrifice one friend for the other. [online] Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1446601-army-chief-asim-munir-says-pakistan-will-not-sacrifice-one-friend-for-the-other
[4] The Express Tribune (2022). Army chief Asim Munir says he has complete roadmap for economic development. [online] Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269581/army-chief-asim-munir-says-he-has-complete-roadmap-for-economic-development
[5] The Express Tribune (2022). Army chief Asim Munir says Pakistan has a rare earth treasure. [online] Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269581/army-chief-asim-munir-says-pakistan-has-a-rare-earth-treasure
[6] The Express Tribune (2022). Army chief Asim Munir denies rumours of leadership change in Pakistan. [online] Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2269581/army-chief-asim-munir-denies-rumours-of-leadership-change-in-pakistan
[7] Dawn.com (2022). Army chief Asim Munir denies rumours of leadership change in Pakistan. [online] Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1671149
- Critics question the feasibility of Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir's economic plans, given the country's current economic challenges and high poverty levels.
- The ongoing news about Pakistan's economic strategy centers on the Reko Diq mining project, with Munir predicting net profits of approximately $2 billion annually starting next year.
- In addition to discussing the economic plans, Munir also addressed regional security concerns, warning against India's potential destabilizing tactics and expressing concern over Afghanistan’s relationship with the Taliban.
- Amid speculation about a potential change in the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, General Asim Munir denied any such plans, stating that his primary focus is on protecting the country.
