QUETTA: The economic future of Balochistan is lined with development of the mines and minerals sector and the difficulties facing the sector could be removed only by giving it the status of regular industry.

This was stated by acting Balochistan Governor Mir Jan Mohammad Khan Jamali during a meeting with office-bearers of the All Pakistan Mines and Minerals Association, led by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Sudan Mir Behroz Reki and Syed Fateh Shah Arif, at the Governor House on Saturday.

“We are well aware of the problems and difficulties faced by mine owners in the province who also suffered huge financial losses as faced by the business community and farmers due to recent devastating floods.

However, the government was utilising all available resources to fully restore trade and business activities and provide profitable investment opportunities to the mines owners,” Mir Jamali said, adding that the government was taking effective measures to address the concerns pertaining to the improvement of infrastructure in mining areas and reconstruction of roads which were affected by floods.

The governor said he would take up the reservations and difficulties discussed in the meeting with Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, the federal minister and authorities concerned.

Ambassador Behroz Reki, who was also a leading mine owner and leader of the association, informed the governor about the difficulties being faced by the mine owners in Balochistan.

He said despite their demands, the government has not declared the mines and minerals sector a regular industry.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2022