GHALANAI: Contractors of marble mines here have formed a rights body and created a welfare fund for reconstruction and rehabilitation of link roads and damaged schools in the Baizai area of Mohmand Agency.

In this connection, a jirga of marble contractors, security forces and officials of local administration was held at Bahi Daag. The meeting decided to form a body, Baizai Marble Union, to resolve issues facing marble industry in the area.

There are three big marble deposits at Speenki Tangi, Yara Khel and Tora Khwa in the border area. The meeting also decided to create a welfare fund for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged roads and schools in the area.

Assistant political agent Abdullah Shah, Lt-Col Imtiaz Khan, agency coordination officer Tariq Khan and more than 30 contractors attended the meeting.

A contractor told the meeting that every day 800 truckloads carrying about 28,000 tonnes of marble left the mines.

On the occasion, Abdul Wali, who was named president of the new body, said that they would make joint efforts from the platform to resolve issues facing marble mine owners and carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and damaged schools in the area.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2016