CM directs Minerals Dept to establish offices in all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan

PT Report 

Gilgit, November 21: The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah, has directed the Minerals Department to establish offices of Deputy Directors in all seven districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. This, he said, will help people attached with the Minerals and Mining Industry to get timely and effective support. He also said that local people and companies should be prioritized for tasks related to exploration and mining. He said that a regional policy benefiting the local people should be made.

He made these comments today during a briefing organized by the Mines and Minerals Department.

Finance Minister, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Minister for Minerals, Muhammad Naseer, Minister for Planing and Development and the minister for Health were also present during the briefing.

It is pertinent to note that several companies have been allowed to explore the Gilgit-Baltistan region for minerals and other natural resources, despite of there not being any clear policy and legislation in this regard.

Many people believe that the law and policy are deliberately being delayed to favor non-deserving companies and personalities, close to the corridors of power.

There have been several protest demonstrations against a company owned by a foreigner in different parts of the region. People believe that the “Mohsin Industries” has been plundering the region’s resources, illegally, with the help of government and administration officials.