RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) President Mian Zahid Hussain has said that local MNA Bilal Rehman and influential political figures of the area should play a vital part in the economic and social development of Mohmand Agency.

Mian Zahid Hussain talking to the President of Mohmand Agency Chamber of Commerce and Industry Qaisar Khan Daudzai and other members, said Mohmand Agency is a hub of minerals - marble, chromites, nephrite, dolomite, iron, soapstone, manganese, silica and sand, etc, besides agricultural products including chillies, wheat, and vegetables.

The mineral deposits have a great variety of colours and fabrics and thus have vast potential in international market. About 7,000 million tons of good quality marble ranging from super white, silky and grey varieties exists in FATA.

He said an area of 300 acres has been acquired for Mohmand Marble City (MMC).

The marble city will be given the status of industry under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Mohmand marble city will be made functional at the end of this year at a cost of Rs2.6 billion and will be one of nine major projects within the ambit of the CPEC.

He said the marble city has been constructed on 353 acres of land, adding that there will be 295 industrial plots in the city with 49 plots reserved for marble factories at comparatively cheaper rates to boost production activities in the area. FATA areas will be connected with CPEC through link roads. It is important to consider the problems of mines’ workers and enforce proper laws securing worker’s rights. The government should provide safe working environment to workers.

He said there is no marble waste management facility which pollutes the beauty of the area. Due to inconsistency in the supply of marble, the share of this sector is very limited in international trade.

The Mohmand Agency chamber has been forwarding its suggestions to the government seeking immediate consideration, he added.