BUNER, Oct 11: Buner, spread over an area of 1,750 square kilometres and with a population of 515,049, has been enjoying the status of district since 1991.

Despite having rich mineral resources, the district is facing a number of problems ranging from scarcity of drinking water to shortage of schools and non-exploration of the rich natural resources.

The district has been part of the old Uddiana civilization which thrived in these parts up to 600 BC and also a centre of the Gandhara civilization.

The ruins of the old civilizations excavated so far include residential colonies, caves and stupas. There are more than 350 relic sites in this district.

The remains are facing deterioration because of increasing population and unabated illegal excavation.

By virtue of its rich mineral reservoirs, the district alone can contribute a huge amount to the sinking economy of the country, but it requires concerted efforts on the part of the higher-ups. Some minerals found in Buner are iron, copper/gold, sulphur, silicon, uranium, mica, marble, silica, China clay and nephaline synite.

Besides, Buner is also rich from the point of view of tourism as there are several historical sites like Elum, Qadir Nagar, Dara-i-Gokand, Chaghorzai, Mahbane in Chamla and Governor’s Reserve.