K-P imposes ban on illegal mining along Indus and Kabul rivers

60-day ban enforced on illegal mining activities in various districts; environmental and security concerns cited

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has imposed a 60-day ban on illegal mining and the extraction of placer gold along the banks of the Indus and Kabul rivers in several districts. The ban, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, covers areas including Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, and Karak, as well as neighbouring regions.

A notification issued by the Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs said that the decision was made based on reports from relevant departments and discussions held during the 37th meeting of the provincial cabinet.

The government has expressed grave concerns over the adverse effects of illegal mining on the environment, including the pollution of water, destruction of natural landscapes, and risks to public health and safety.

The reports indicated that illegal mining activities have been significantly harming the ecosystem, with the potential to exacerbate security concerns. There are fears that such activities could lead to disturbances in law and order, conflicts among local groups, and the smuggling of fuel used for excavation operations.

Additionally, some organised groups involved in illegal mining are believed to have substantial financial resources, which could lead to resistance during enforcement actions, posing a threat to both public and law enforcement officials.

In response, the provincial cabinet has directed the Mines and Minerals Department to take coordinated action against illegal mining. Local administrations and police forces have been instructed to provide full cooperation, and additional personnel will be deployed if necessary.

Under the directive, district administrations and police have been granted the authority to take legal action, including the confiscation of machinery, vehicles, and other equipment used in illegal mining activities.

Authorities have issued a stern warning that violators of the order will face penalties under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, with severe legal consequences for those found guilty of engaging in illegal mining operations.

Oil and gas reserves discovered in K-P

Meanwhile, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has submitted the details of the oil and gas reserves discovered in Kohat district to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

According to a PPL letter to the PSX, drilling for the Baragzai X1 well in the Nasapa Block began on June 30, 2024. The well was drilled to a depth of 5,170 metres using advanced testing techniques. The drilling operation has yielded 225 barrels of crude oil per day and 1.01 mmscfd of gas.

The flow rate from the well is measured at 190 pounds per square inch gauge, as reported by PPL. The discovery is expected to significantly boost the supply of hydrocarbons in the region, reducing Pakistan’s dependency on imported fuel.

A day ago, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited announced a gas and condensate discovery at its Dars West-3 well located in the Tando Allah Yar district of Sindh.

According to a statement, the new development well was successfully tested in the C-Sands of the Lower Goru Formation. The well was drilled to a total depth of 2,100 metres and tested using the company's in-house technical expertise.