ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the use of modern technology for the exploration of minerals and also for effective utilisation of raw materials for power generation.

The prime minister stated this in a meeting with a delegation of All Pakistan Mines and Minerals Association led by Minister for Housing and Works Maulana Abdul Wasay.

The meeting discussed various sessions of discussions carried out to harmonise the exploration and drainage system of high quality coal, iron ore and other precious minerals keeping in view international standards.

He directed to take benefit from the reserves of coal in Thar and Lakhra and also the iron cores in Mianwali and Chiniot.

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The prime minister directed to present a report on the development of the mining sector in the country and also set up a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Production, Federal Board of Revenue and other relevant provincial commissions.

In addition, the prime minister directed to form a sub-committee headed by Petroleum Minister Dr Musaddiq Malik, to oversee the development in mining sector.

Meanwhile, addressing the senators of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) in Islamabad, PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the coalition government would complete constitutional term and steer the country out of current economic crisis.

He said the nation was facing economic challenges due to wrong decisions of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

The prime minister said the PTI government accepted the conditions of the International Monetary Fund to impose Rs30 Petroleum Development Levy and 17 percent General Sales Tax and later violated this agreement.

He said it was first time in history that government had introduced a direct tax on the net income of rich people in the next fiscal year budget.

The prime minister said the government was committed to save the poor segment of society from the impact of increased petroleum prices and it is providing targeted subsidy of 2000 rupees per month.

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