It is my privilege to serve as the Secretary of this crucial department, dedicated to ensuring the development of this much neglected sector. Our department is committed to modernize and enhance efficiency and bring transparency in addition to implement the ease of doing business policy of the government. The mineral sector of Gilgit Baltistan has the potential to become one of the leading sectors in a very short span of time. Nature has endowed this area with an estimated One Trillion Dollars worth of minerals in addition to unparallel natural beauty. We are striving to explore mineral potential of Gilgit-Baltistan in line with international standards. Simultaneously, this department is also responsible for development of industry, commerce and labor sectors. The efforts are ongoing to develop all these sectors, bring investment, generate jobs and enhance the standard of living of the people of this area, to the best of my ability.