LAHORE – Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Dr Tanvir-ul-Islam has said that all necessary steps will be taken for the development of the mineral sector to harness the natural resources of Pakistan.
He was addressing a meeting after assuming office of the department. Secretary Mines and Minerals Shahid Mehmood, Additional Secretary Rao Ghulam Hussain, Chief Inspector Mines Tahzeeb-ul-Hassan Ansari and other senior officers were also present. The minister was given a detailed briefing on development of the department, Punjab Mines and Minerals Development Corporation, Chief Inspector of Mines, performance of various sections as well as development projects.
The meeting was informed that the Mines and Minerals Department deposited Rs 1.5 billion annually in the national exchequer while millions of rupees were also spent on the welfare and provision of medical, education and housing facilities to thousands of workers associated with the mining sector.
It was further noted that hospitals, medical centres as well as schools were also functioning in districts concerned for the benefit of workers and their families while talented children of workers were also given scholarships.
Dr Tanvir declared that the pace of work on development projects should be accelerated to increase income generation of the department. He also stressed that ensuring transparency in the process of awarding contracts.
Minister pledges mineral sector uplift
