Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to explore untapped vast natural mineral reserves and uplift of agriculture sector to put country on path of development.

Addressing the inaugural session of “Pakistan Minerals Summit” in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said due to certain cartels, the natural resources were not explored in the past.

The Prime Minister regretted that country’s journey of 75 years is dotted with bitter factors as they could not fully exploit the precious natural deposits estimated at worth 6 trillion dollars.

Shehbaz Sharif said the Thar coal mines reserves are now being utilized  for the development of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister praised the leadership of Saudi Arabia for the financial support worth 2 billion dollars which also helped in reaching agreement with International Monetary Fund.

He said that NAB, unfortunately, created fears and harassed the business community and bureaucrats in the past as it was used a tool for political witch hunting of political opponents. 

He said the present government focused on building a strong nation.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan is keen to maintain friendly ties with all the countries for the mutual benefits of their people.

Without naming India, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is ready to talk to its neigbhours, if there were serious matters on the table as wars are no solution to issues.

The Prime Minister said the Special Investment Facilitation Council has been set up for the first time consisting of all the stakeholders that would collaborate and facilitate execution of the development projects.