AGPR raises objections to coal and soapstone mining projects

The exploration projects of coal and soapstone mining have been hit by another snag as the office of the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenue (AGPR) raised objections over the operation of the administrative set-up of the projects against their jurisdiction in the matter as the same has already been decided at the competent forums of the organisations.
Sources in Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) said that the earlier objection of the AGPR was the unavailability of the share of funds by the corporation.
According to the agreement signed between PMDC and the governor's NWFP Fata Secretariat, the former has the equity share of 51 percent and 30 percent respectively.
The projects were due to be launched in Orakzai and Kurram agencies simultaneously. But, due to traditional bureaucratic hurdles, these projects have been delayed for a year.
The projects are tripartite venture of PMDC, Fata secretariat and notables of Orakzai and Kurram agencies. Furthermore, PMDC and Fata secretariat have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
In the wake of the said MoU, the PMDC has established its liaison office from its own resources followed by posting of personnel and deployment of vehicles. The corporation has also conducted a survey for finalisation of the roads, alignment leading to soapstone mining project and has also signed an agreement with the locals for mining of coal in Orakzai Agency.
According to a survey conducted by the PMDC, the project would produce 3,000 tons each of soapstone and coal in the first year of its exploration. Apart from development of mines in the area on scientific lines, the production will attract investors to invest in the mining sector of tribal area.
In this connection, when Business Recorder contacted Yaqub Shah, Director PMDC liaison office, Peshawar, he said that the corporation has completed all necessary homework for launching the project.
FUND PROVIDED: He said that the provision of fund, a major obstacle has been removed and the amount has already shifted to the joint accounts of the project. He was not in a position to give reasons for delay in the start of the projects.
The tribal elders from both tribal agencies are demanding of the provincial governor to intervene into the matter for preventing further delay in the launching of the projects.
The convenor of the recently formed All Tribal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Haji Ghulam Ali, has also demanded of the governor to help remove the traditional bureaucratic hurdles in the way of the project.
Appreciating the tribesmen-friendly policies of the governor, he said that the projects would bring economic revolution in the backward and neglected tribal belt of the country.