‘New policy aims to develop mineral sector’

LAHORE :Punjab Mines and Minerals Minster Ch Sher Ali has said first ever mines and mineral policy has been drafted in consultation with international consultants. 

Sher Ali said this while chairing a consultative session held with the mine owners. Punjab Mines and Mineral Secretary Dr Arshad Mahmood was present in the meeting wherein foreign consultants presented the draft policy over the video conference call and retorted queries of mine owners. 

The draft policy aims to develop mineral sector on Modern footings, competitive with international standards, more investment, workers and environment friendly, he said. The policy has been prepared in the light of the Pakistan’s National Vision 2025, Punjab Growth Strategy 2018 and the objectives set out by the National Mineral Policy 1995 and 2013. The policy will set out the direction and address the key issues that bar the mineral sector from achieving its true potential. The session focused on taking mine owners, one of the main stakeholders, on board, comprehend them with the draft policy and obtain constructive inputs from them. Consultative sessions with other stakeholders including departments concerned, investors etc., will also be held in due course of time before forwarding policy to the CM and the cabinet. In the session, it was decided that a formulated committee of mine owners will comment on the policy in detail and will put forward their inputs to Mines and Mineral Department within specific time.