LAHORE: Punjab Minster for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan has said that the first-ever mines and mineral policy has been drafted in consultation with international consultants, and that the draft policy aims to develop mineral sector on modern footings, which would bring in more investment and be workers and environment friendly at the same time. The policy has been prepared in the light of the Pakistan’s National Vision 2025, Punjab Growth Strategy 2018 and the objectives set out by the National Mineral Policy 1995 and 2013. The policy will set out the direction and address the key issues that bar the mineral sector from achieving its true potential. Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan told this while presiding over a consultative session held here with the mine-owners. Secretary Mines and Mineral Punjab, Dr Arshad Mahmood was also present in the meeting wherein foreign consultants presented the draft policy over the video conference call and retorted queries of mine-owners. The session focused on taking mine-owners, one of the main stakeholders, on board, comprehend them with the draft Policy and obtain constructive inputs from them. Consultative sessions with other stakeholders including concerned departments, investors etc., will also be held in due course of time before forwarding Policy to the Chief Minister and the Provincial Cabinet. In the session, it was decided that a formulated Committee of mine-owners will comment on the Policy in detail and will put forward their inputs to Mines and Mineral Department within specific time. Published in Daily Times, September 20th 2017.