Mineral Sector Reforms To Boost Investment, Creating Jobs: Minister
PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 11th Sep, 2026)
Mineral sector reforms initiated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have allocated over Rs 1.1 billion for four key initiatives aimed at unlocking the province’s natural resource potential, attracting investment, and creating jobs. These efforts are in line with the vision of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi.
Here’s a breakdown of the allocations:
- Geological Mapping: Rs 397 million has been earmarked for detailed geological mapping at a 1:50,000 scale across all districts to identify mineral resources and boost investor confidence.
- Upgrading Mineral Testing Labs: Rs 308 million is allocated for modernizing Mineral Testing Laboratories with advanced equipment for internationally standardized testing and reliable data.
- Placer Gold Exploration: Rs 200 million will fund placer gold exploration in the Chitral, Indus, Kabul, and Kurram rivers.
- Geoscience Survey: Another Rs 200 million is set aside for an integrated geoscience survey of critical and strategic minerals in Chitral and Hazara, with a completion target date of June 2028.
These initiatives are designed to:
- Reduce exploration risks
- Improve testing quality
- Boost investor confidence
- Convert mineral wealth into employment and sustainable economic growth
