PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to set up a minerals development company to exploit the mineral potential of the province.

A statement issued here said that draft legislation for the purpose was prepared that would be tabled in the provincial assembly after its approval from the cabinet.

It said that a meeting of mines and mineral development department chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan was briefed about the steps to put the sector on modern lines and encourage private sector for joint ventures with the government.

Special Assistant to Chief Minister Arif Ahmadzai, Chief Secretary Dr Shehzad Bangash, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shahh and other officials attended the meeting.

The chief minister directed the officials to expedite setting up of the minerals development company. He said that revenue of the province could be increased significantly by effectively utilising the mineral resources.

CM orders officials to encourage private investment in the sector

He also directed them to take steps to fully utilise the precious minerals in the province by encouraging investment by private sector. He said that a mechanism should also be devised to promote partnership with private sector for the purpose.

The chief minister asked the quarters concerned to take steps on priority basis to provide all the services to industrialists and private investors under a single roof. He directed them to fix realistic timelines for the issuance of ‘no objection certificate’ by all the departments.

Mr Khan directed the officials to further streamline the lease process to make it easier and more transparent. He said that in case of non-commencement of physical work by the lease holders within the stipulated timelines, the leases would be cancelled as per the prevailing rules and regulations.

Earlier, the meeting was informed that all the official affairs of administrative department of mines and minerals development had been made paperless.

It was informed that initiatives were under way for geological mapping of mineral resources in the province and an agreement was also signed to that effect.

A modern laboratory is being set up for international certification of the mineral products.

A project regarding setting up of mines rescue service and labour welfare centres in tribal districts is near completion.

The meeting was told that as per the directives of chief minister, action was taken against idle leases and so far 13 mineral titles were cancelled owing to non-commencement of work within the stipulated time.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2022