News Desk
Quetta: Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has stated that all mineral resources of Balochistan belong to the people of the province, and illegal mining remains a serious and long-standing issue that is causing massive losses to the national exchequer.
He said that in recent days, a successful operation was carried out against illegal chromite mining in Pishin district with the cooperation of the district administration and law enforcement agencies, resulting in the closure of 47 illegal mines. This action, he added, is part of the provincial government’s policy to protect mineral resources and ensure the rule of law.
According to the Chief Minister, the province earns less than Rs 10 billion annually from the mines and minerals sector, mainly due to illegal mining, smuggling, and a weak regulatory framework. He emphasized that sustainable economic development of the province is not possible without curbing these illegal activities.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced that the provincial government is introducing a comprehensive and effective policy to reform the minerals sector, aimed at ensuring transparency, promoting legal mining, protecting the rights of local communities, and significantly increasing provincial revenue.
He further stated that while the government will encourage investment within the legal framework, a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against those involved in illegal mining.
