K-P minerals bill triggers PTI backlash

Govt defends company law amid criticism over intent and timing

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has come under severe criticism following the approval of the Mineral Development and Management Company Bill, with leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also raising serious objections to the legislation.

The bill was approved by the provincial cabinet in its recent meeting and has since triggered widespread debate and backlash on social media.

PTI leaders and supporters have questioned the timing and intent of the legislation, with several social media posts asserting that no law related to mines and minerals would be acceptable without the approval of the party's founding chairman. Critics argue that the bill contradicts earlier positions taken by the PTI leadership on mineral legislation.

In response to the growing criticism, the provincial government issued a clarification, stating that the founding chairman had opposed the Mines and Minerals Act, not the Mineral Development and Management Company Bill. Chief Minister's Focal Person Yarmuhammad Khan Niazi said the newly approved bill was an institutional and practical reform aimed at regulating the mining sector.

He explained that under the bill, a government-owned company would be established to oversee mining rules and regulations, licensing, royalty collection, monitoring and the overall legal framework. According to the government, the initiative is designed to increase provincial revenue, promote investment, create employment opportunities and ensure the utilisation of natural resources in the public interest.

The clarification further stated that the bill emphasises transparent distribution of mineral income, the establishment of a Mineral Development Fund, infrastructure improvement and the social and economic development of local communities. Officials maintained that while the Mines and Minerals Act provides legislation and rules, the Mineral Development and Management Company Bill ensures their effective implementation and delivery of economic benefits.

It was also recalled that on the directions of Imran Khan, the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill scheduled to be presented in 2025 had been halted, due to which the Mines and Minerals Act, 2017 remains in force across the province.

It may be recalled that all major political parties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have unanimously rejected the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill in April 2025.

Terming the bill a direct attack on the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial autonomy, natural resources, and the authority of the provincial assembly, party leaders warned of strong opposition if the government attempts to pass the legislation.

The consensus was reached during an All Parties Conference (APC) organized by the Awami National Party (ANP) at Bacha Khan Markaz in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by ANP's provincial President, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, and attended by leaders and representatives of all major political parties in the province.Participants resolved that, if necessary, they would not only pursue legal avenues but also launch public protests to resist the bill.

The proposed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was discussed in detail during the APC . Key participants included Maulana Attaur Rehman (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam), Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha (Pakistan Peoples Party), Bushra Gohar (National Democratic Movement), Ali Asghar Khan, Arbab Sher Ali, and Shakeel Khan (PTI).