QUETTA: The Baloc­histan Department of Industries and Commerce has granted the mines and minerals sector the status of an industry.

According to a notification, the decision was made under Section 4 of the Balochistan Industrial Development and Regulation Act 2025.

Muhammad Ayub Miryani, president of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), along with Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar and Vice President Engineer Mir Wais Khan Kakar, welcomed the government’s move to recognise mines and minerals as an industry.

They said the recognition had been a long-standing demand of the QCCI and those associated with the sector.

They said the chamber had consistently raised the issue at every forum, and that FPCCI Vice President Nasir Khan had also made significant efforts in this regard.

The QCCI officials said they were pleased to have fulfilled another commitment made to the business community, particularly the mines and minerals sector.

The chamber, they added, was committed to promoting legal trade in the province, addressing challenges faced by businesses, and continuing to play an active role in this regard.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2025