Peshawar: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced strict measures against illegal gold mining and unlawful exploitation of mineral resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. He called for the cancellation of all gold mining leases across the province and the immediate suspension of all gold mining operations. Additionally, he directed that machinery used for illegal mining be removed within one week. The Governor warned that stringent legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the order.
The Governor made these declarations during a press conference held alongside senior officials. He accused the mining of mineral resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of being an organized plunder and alleged that the substantial profits from illegal mining are being funneled as financial support to terrorist activities.
Governor Kundi stated that he had recently participated in a significant conference in Islamabad two days prior, where the necessity of intensifying the battle against terrorism in the province was discussed. He emphasized that there can be no compromise or failure in confronting terrorism, and that ensuring public security must be the government's foremost priority.
The Governor claimed that valuable natural resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been extensively exploited over the past 13 years. He highlighted a persistent situation where the province’s mineral wealth is unlawfully appropriated, resulting in enormous financial gains for certain individuals and groups. He stressed that these mineral deposits belong to the public and that the government holds the responsibility to ensure their protection and lawful utilization.
Kundi warned that natural resources should not be permitted for misuse by a few individuals or influential factions for private profit. He pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds extensive deposits of precious minerals including gold, and asserted that the mining and sale of these minerals must be conducted under a transparent legal framework.
He also declared that strong action would be taken against those denying the province’s legitimate rights and involved in the plunder of public resources, and that accountability mechanisms would be reinforced.
Concerning mining activities in Kohat, the Governor alleged the use of large-scale machinery in two mining blocks. He disclosed that 8,350 tractors, 3,660 excavators, and 1,600 dumpers are deployed in these areas, underscoring the vast scale of mining operations. He stated that the wealth generated through illegal mining does not contribute to the province’s development nor to the welfare of its residents.
A particularly grave allegation was made that approximately 80% of the income generated from illegal mining is smuggled across the border to Afghanistan. The Governor called for identifying the groups responsible for these financial transactions and urged measures to halt illegal cross-border money laundering.
Regarding gold output, Kundi presented conflicting figures: at one point, production was reported as 9 kilograms per month, while in another statement, it was claimed to reach up to 90 kilograms monthly. The report does not offer a clear explanation for this discrepancy.
The Governor further alleged the involvement of terrorist groups in financial dealings linked to illegal mining. He claimed that terrorist commanders compel workers in the mining sector to pay forced levies. Specifically, he stated that residents are extorted up to 8 million Pakistani Rupees, and outsiders up to 40 million Pakistani Rupees, which are unauthorized payments facilitating continued illegal mining and operations in those regions.
He also alleged that terrorists attacked police during security operations to curb illegal mining. The Governor accused terrorist elements described by Pakistani authorities as 'Fitna al-Khwarij' of orchestrating these attacks. He vowed uncompromising action against individuals previously involved in the killing of security personnel.
Security measures would be strengthened to dismantle the economic links between terrorism and illegal mining and to prevent illicit activities within the mining sector, the Governor added.
Governor Kundi made serious allegations against political figures linked to illegal mining in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that at least 12 political personalities are connected with unlawful mining operations. Among them, he accused the brother of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of involvement. Others named included Aftab Alam, Shehryar Afridi, Khurram Sheeshan, Sajid Iqbal, Ehsan Lachi, Amjad Afridi, and Seth Saifullah.
He criticized political influence and power dynamics that allegedly support the unlawful exploitation of natural resources. The Governor urged action against all those involved in illegal activities regardless of their political positions or influence, stressing the need to prevent political interference in protecting mineral resources and public wealth.
To combat these issues, Governor Kundi announced the formation of a Special Task Force tasked with coordinating measures against illegal mining and associated unlawful activities in the sector. He proposed naming this Task Force in memory of the late Deputy Police Superintendent Haider Saman.
The Task Force's responsibilities will include identifying legal violations in mining operations, preventing the use of unauthorised machinery, curbing illegal smuggling of minerals, and strengthening enforcement actions.
Contractors and individuals engaged in mining have been ordered to remove their equipment from relevant sites within one week. Failure to comply will result in legal proceedings. The Governor reiterated his stance to immediately halt all gold mining activities and called for the cancellation of existing mining contracts.
"From today onwards, all gold mining operations must be stopped. Contractors must remove their machinery, or they will face stringent action. The province's problems cannot be resolved without reforming the current system," Kundi stated.
The Governor's statements underscore the necessity of safeguarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's natural resources and investigating claims that illegal mining provides financial support to terrorist organizations. He stressed that transparent investigations and lawful actions are indispensable to address corruption, political meddling, and security threats related to mining activities.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
