Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has announced coal mines in Shikhan area of Orakzai Agency will be reopened soon which will not only enhance the employment opportunities but also will pave the for economic development of this marginalized region. He declared economic development and revival as condition president for lasting peace in FATA.
He directed the relevant officials to constitute a committee to conduct a detailed survey of coal mines and the adjoining areas in Orakzai in order to redress the grievances of the coal mines' owners and lease holders and fully support them to streamline the smooth working in the mineral sector. He said that comprehensive mining policy was unveiled for this purpose, which could be helpful exploiting all abundant and rich natural reserves in the benefiting manner.
He was talking to a delegation of coal mines' owners of Shikhan area from Orakzai Agency here at Governor's House in Peshawar on Friday. The delegation led by Malik Izzat Gul was comprised of Malik Fazal Hakim, Malik Haji Said Noor Shah, Malik Muhammad Rafique and others. Principal Secretary to Governor, Sikandar Qayyum, Secretary Social Sector, Waqar Khan, Political Agent Orakzai Agency and other relevant officials were also present on this occasion.
Talking to delegation, Governor said the lasting peace was linked with the economic revival and steps been taken to provide employment opportunities in FATA. He directed that steps should be taken to fully support the mineral sector and asked to further strengthen the capacity of the mineral rescue satellite centre held at Hangu area to raise the momentum of the work and stressed that its effective working should be ensured so that we could facilitate mineral sector in the area. Governor further directed the officer concerned that road infrastructure access should be given to the coal mines in the Shikhan precinct of Orakzai agency and a proper drainage and water pump system should also be established to minimise the damage to the coal mines caused due to rain water. He maintained prompt steps should be taken to bind them all to follow the new mineral policy.
He stated the government was determined to foster the economic activities and reduce poverty and get rid of backwardness as it is inevitable for the eradication of militancy in the tribal areas. The delegation apprised the Governor about some of the problems and difficulties which the people and mine owners of Orakzai Agency are faced with. They demanded that due to worst circumstances those coal mines could not be opened after six years closure and people related to the coal mining has been facing severe problems and now peace has been restored so that those mines should be reopened.
The Governor assured the delegation of taking necessary action to solve their grievances and said that coal mines in Shikhan area of Orakzai Agency would soon be reopened. The governor also lauded sacrifices of the tribesmen in eliminating militants and maintaining peace and said their sacrifices will be remembered with pride and dignity. He said the government is committed to improve living standard of tribesmen and all possible means are being taken to provide basic and modern civic facilities to tribal people.