Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while presiding over a meeting through video link from London, has granted approval to reorganisation of Punjab Minerals Development Corporation (PUNJMIN). Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that the PUNJMIN will have to be set on modern lines in a professional manner, and added that restructuring of the department will be made under a phased programme.
He said that capacity-building of Punjab Mineral Development Corporation is need of the hour and leasing system of mines will have to be made transparent.
He directed the authorities to work round the clock for making Punjab Mineral Development Corporation an active and vibrant institution. He said that short-term measures should immediately be implemented and foolproof arrangements are needed for the protection of mineworkers. He said that protection of mineworkers is essential, and that no compromise would be made on protective measures for mineworkers.
The chief minister directed formation of a high-level committee for reorganisation of PUNJMIN and added that Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah will be head of the committee. The committee will comprise Provincial Minister Sher Ali Khan, PUNJMIN Chairman Nauman Kabeer, finance and mineral secretaries. The committee will be fully empowered for taking steps regarding reorganisation of the PUNJMIN, he added.
Sharif said that the office of chairman will have to be empowered for performance and capacity-building of the PUNJMIN. He said that an effective mechanism of check and balance and accountability should be evolved. He directed constitution of a high level committee for reorganisation of the minerals department and added that the committee should present final recommendations within one month, in the light of which, steps will be taken for making the department active. The chief minister directed that priority should be given to experts of private sector in the board of PUNJMIN.
