The minister observed these remarks while presiding over a high level meeting aimed at reviewing the "Marble and Granite Strategy" on Tuesday at the ministry.
According to the release, the minister claimed the country needed an urgent solution to the prevailing poverty and unemployment issues. He expressed confidence that Granite and Marble sector had a potential to address such issues. In this regard, he advised all the stakeholders to put their input soon as that strategy would have to finalise before the end of March.
Moreover, he assured all the participants he would talk all the provincial governments in order to resolve their issues like law & order, leasing etc. Furthermore, the minister was of the view the comprehensive and effective strategy would also attract foreign donors. The minister also asked the high official of the ministry of petroleum to co-ordinate with the efforts of the Marble and Granite Working Group.
Earlier, the high official of the Sectoral Working Group (SWOG) gave the minister comprehensive presentation about the strategy of Marble and Granite sector. The minister was informed the sector had a potential of attracting over Rs 2 billion investments and generating 10,000 to 50,000 direct employment generations in next three years. The minister was also told the group had started initial work on two model quarries in Buner and Fata and the group would take help from the foreign experts who would come in current month, the release said.
Moreover, the minister was apprised by the participants about the critical law and order situation created by uncooperative locals in the mining areas. While various far-reaching affects of this un-friendly environment existing there.
The release further added the participants felt technical developments and investment in mining were not possible with this kind of enterprises. A number of other development interventions were discussed including establishment of the model quarry, training institutes and technical assistance by quarry masters. In the last, it was agreed that all the viable proposals of the participants would be made a part of overall final strategy.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary (in charge) ministry of industries, CEO of Smeda, a high official of the ministry of petroleum and high officials of the Sectoral Working Group, the release concluded.