Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor’s Faisal Karim Kundi decision to suspend all gold mining leases in the province was a necessary step in the wake of disturbing revelations about involvement of illegal mining networks in financing terrorism. The seriousness of issue became evident in Kohat, where at least 11 police personnel were martyred and 12 others injured in a terrorist ambush. The attack took place after police conducted an operation against an illegal gold mining network. The incident exposed grave risks associated with unchecked illegal mining and demonstrated how such activities can undermine law & order while providing financial support to militant groups.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Faisal Karim Kundi said illegal gold mining in Kohat was linked to terrorism, claiming that 80 per cent of proceeds were being transferred to Afghanistan. He also stated that several politicians were involved in the activity and disclosed that around 90 kg of gold had been extracted illegally in a single month. The assertion made by Governor is serious in nature that requires a thorough and impartial investigation. Those found responsible, regardless of their political influence or position, must be held accountable. Governor’s announcement that a new gold mining policy would be introduced within three weeks is an opportunity to put the sector on a transparent and lawful footing. The KP province is endowed with considerable mineral wealth, including gold and other valuable resources that can contribute significantly to economic development, employment generation and public revenue if managed properly. In this regard, the successful two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad, which resulted in around 13 MoUs and agreements, offers encouraging prospects for country’s mining sector. It also demonstrated potential to attract domestic and international investors if right environment is provided. We expect that the KP will develop a clear and transparent mechanism for mineral exploration and extraction. Competitive bidding, strict enforcement of licensing conditions and safeguards against involvement of criminal networks should form basis of the new policy. Security, transparency and investor confidence must go hand in hand if KP is to turn its natural resources into a genuine source of economic prosperity.
