ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government is formulating a comprehensive strategy to take full advantage of the country’s mineral resources.

He was chairing a high level meeting on Mineral Development Program in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting was briefed on the points of the Mineral Development Program and the proposed measures.

It was informed that the program is designed to identify the problems facing the sector, as well as the legal and administrative framework, and the promotion of investment opportunities. The meeting was also given a detailed briefing on the country’s mineral sources.

It was apprised that the country has reserves of rock salt, limestone, gypsum, ceramic, silica sand and many other industrial minerals. Pakistan has metal deposits of chromite, copper, gold, silver, iron, lead and zinc.

The meeting was also informed about the presence of vast reserves of marble, granite and sandstone. There are also abundant deposits of precious stones and coal.

It was informed that the strategy for investment in iron ore deposits at Chiniot and Kala Bagh is in the final stages.

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed to finalize the program soon and said that there is ample potential for investment in the minerals sector. He said Pakistan is rich in natural resources and harnessing them is one of the top priorities of the government.