Pakistanis Should Be Angry and Revolt Against Gen. Asim’s Mines and Minerals Bill
Gen. Asim’s Dangerous Rush to Sell Pakistan’s Natural Resources
Gen. Asim is aggressively pushing to sign away Pakistan’s natural-resource assets to foreign countries. His motive? To protect his illegal hold over the government.
To preserve army rule and win favor with American and Western governments, illegally installed Gen. Asim and his corrupt military officers are pushing a deal with devastating long-term consequences for Pakistan’s economy: the Mines and Minerals Act.
Echoes of the IPP Disaster
This situation brings back memories of the flawed Independent Power Plants (IPP) contracts. Initiated during Benazir Bhutto’s PPP government in the 1990s and expanded by Nawaz Sharif’s regime, those contracts burdened Pakistan for decades.
These IPP deals, many linked to the very politicians who signed them, were dollar-denominated and included long-term purchase agreements and capacity payments. The result? A financial disaster for ordinary Pakistanis.
Now, the army, under Gen. Asim, seems to be making the same mistake with natural resources—prioritizing foreign approval and personal gain over national interest.
Conflict of Interest and Power Hunger
With no regard for public welfare, Gen. Asim is eager to give away Pakistan’s mineral wealth. His goal is simple: stay in power. He is willing to sell off Pakistan’s natural assets just to maintain his position as Army Chief.
This is not the first time Pakistani generals have compromised national integrity. In the past, they have handed over citizens like Dr. Aafia Siddiqui to the U.S. for money. From Gen. Musharraf to Gen. Munir, military rulers have betrayed their own people.
No Legal or Moral Authority
Gen. Asim holds no democratic mandate. As an unelected Army Chief, he has no legal or moral authority to tie the people of Pakistan to long-term economic and environmental contracts. His deals today will limit future governments, including any led by Imran Khan, from making independent decisions.
Lessons from Africa and South America
Many African and South American countries suffered after corrupt regimes signed away their natural resources to multinational corporations. These contracts destroyed their environments and economies while enriching a few elites.
Pakistan now faces the same threat. Once again, unelected rulers are ready to sacrifice national interests for their own survival.
Time for the People to Speak
Pakistanis must raise their voices. This Mines and Minerals Act is not a development plan. It is a corrupt deal by a military dictator trying to appease foreign powers and cling to power.
The people of Pakistan should not be forced to pay for this betrayal. It’s time to say no to Gen. Asim’s exploitation of national resources. Demand transparency, demand accountability, demand an end to military rule.
Let the world know: Pakistanis reject this conflict-ridden, colonial-style mining deal imposed by an unelected dictator.
