PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi ordered the immediate suspension of all gold mining activities across the province and announced the cancellation of mining leases amid revelations of large-scale illegal extraction and alleged cross-border transfer of proceeds.
Governor Kundi said an investigation into illegal mining had revealed that approximately 90 kilogrammes of gold were being extracted every month, with a substantial portion of the proceeds allegedly transferred to Afghanistan.
He made these remarks while addressing a press conference in Peshawar o Saturday.
He announced a zero-tolerance policy against those involved in illegal mining, adding that all gold mining leases in the province were being cancelled and mining operations suspended with immediate effect.
Kundi directed all leaseholders and contractors engaged in gold mining to remove their heavy machinery from the designated areas within seven days. He warned that failure to comply would result in enforcement action and confiscation of the equipment after the deadline.
He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the imposition of fines, saying magistrates had previously confiscated machinery and imposed penalties of Rs30,000, despite the law providing for a fine of Rs500,000. He said the matter would also be investigated.
The governor disclosed that illegal mining operations involved 8,350 tractors and tractor-trolleys, 1,730 heavy dumpers and a large workforce.
Referring to mining concessions in Kohat, he said the area had two mineral blocks, C and D, while one mining block had been leased for Rs4.92 billion.
He alleged that a significant share of the money generated through illegal mining was being transferred to Afghanistan and subsequently used to finance terrorism and activities against Pakistan. He further claimed that those involved in unlawful mining paid extortion money to militants in exchange for protection.
Kundi also referred to a major operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat, praising police personnel for successfully dismantling the illegal activity. However, he said militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked the police force as it was returning after the operation, killing Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Haider Zaman and 10 other personnel. Police subsequently killed 11 militants in retaliatory action.
Announcing further measures, the governor said approval had been granted to establish a special task force named after the martyred DSP Haider Zaman. He vowed that those responsible for the deaths of police personnel would face strict action and be brought to justice.
“How long will we continue sacrificing our young men?” Kundi questioned, stressing that the loss of police personnel could no longer be allowed to continue.
He further alleged that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s resources had been plundered over the past 13 years, adding that an effective system of accountability would now be introduced.
The governor said the provincial government’s priorities included economic development, prosperity and creating employment opportunities for young people.
He also highlighted international interest in the province’s mineral potential, saying delegates from different countries had participated in a recent Mines and Minerals conference to discuss investment and development opportunities. He added that the international community was being invited to explore the sector so that K-P’s natural resources could be utilised for economic growth and public welfare.
