Though, the natural resources are contributing around 2.5 percent to the total Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the country, but the actual potential of untapped resources is much higher than its present share in the economy of Pakistan, said experts at an international congress here on Monday.
Experts further said the potential has not been totally transformed into resource exploration by the policy makers despite having huge number of geologists in the country, which is now touching around 3,500. The Congress was organised by National Centre of Excellence in Geology-University of Peshawar in collaboration with Academy of Sciences and sponsored by Pakistan Petroleum Limited, USA Fulbright Scholarship Scheme at the local hotel. The experts have stressed the need for establishment of a centralised digital earth resource centre in the province for identification and sustainable utilisation of natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Qazi Muhammad Asad was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony. Vice Chancellor Peshawar University (PU) was the guest of honour. Besides Minister of Environment Wajid Ali Khan, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Haji Hidayatullah, VC AUP Professor Dr Khan Bahadar Marwat and Vice Chairman Pakistan Academy of Sciences Professor Dr Qasim Jan were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the vice chancellor PU, Dr Muhammad Rasul Jan, and Director NCEG, Dr M Asif Khan briefed about the progress of the Centre and its contribution towards sustainable development of natural resources.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Forest, Wajid Ali Khan, while addressing on the occasion insisted the participants of the congress to contribute at their best in developing mineral, hydrocarbon, water, forest and agriculture potential of the region so that the population can find an alternative sustainable source of livelihood. Qazi Muhammad Asad Khan, Minister of Higher Education Khyber Paktunkhwa congratulated the staff of National Centre of Excellence in Geology and additionally organising a 4-Day workshop on "Geoscience Information System for Natural Hazard Management", especially designed for 15 scientists from Kabul University and Kabul Polytechnic institute.
In the congress 16 oral and 23 poster presentations was presented by eminent national scientists from University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar University, KP Agricultural University, University of Kabul, Allama Iqbal University, Pakistan Forest Institute, Pakistan Gem and Jewellery Company and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. The congress was attended by 150 participants all over the country.