K-P gold mining loses its shine

Kundi suspends all licences, gives contractors week to vacate

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced the suspension and cancellation of all gold mining licences in the province, giving contractors one week to vacate mining sites or face confiscation of their machinery.

He has also accused 12 political figures, including several PTI leaders, of involvement in illegal gold extraction and alleged that 80 per cent of the proceeds are being transferred to Afghanistan to finance anti-Pakistan activities and terrorism.

Addressing a press conference alongside Adviser on Minerals Dr Sarfaraz Ali, Chief Secretary Dr Fakhr Alam Irfan and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed on Saturday, the governor alleged that around 90kg of gold was being extracted illegally every month in Kohat, generating Rs4.2 billion.

"Nearly 80% of the proceeds are transferred to Afghanistan and subsequently used for activities against Pakistan and terrorism. The illegal mining operation involves around 3,000 excavators, 1,600 dumpers and 200 heavy loaders, employing nearly 49,000 people," he added.

Kundi alleged that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was also receiving financial support from the proceeds of illegal gold mining in Kohat, while Afghan commanders were reportedly collecting extortion money.

He said a youth committee had also been established to collect extortion from mining operations.

Naming 12 political figures allegedly involved in the illegal activity, the governor mentioned former provincial law minister Aftab Alam, PTI leader Shehryar Afridi, Senator Khurram Zeeshan, Amjad Afridi and Naveed Afridi, brother of former chief minister Sohail Afridi, among others.

However, he clarified that none of the 12 individuals had so far been nominated in an FIR and that their names had only appeared in an initial report. Cases would be registered against those found responsible after completion of investigations, he added.

The governor also alleged that a nexus existed between the mining mafia and terrorists, referring to a recent operation in Kohat during which security personnel attempting to eliminate illegal occupation and mining came under attack.

According to Kundi, 10 security personnel embraced martyrdom while 18 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during the operation. "The mining mafia and terrorists were working together. Those responsible for attacking police personnel will not be spared," he said.

He announced the establishment of a special task force named after martyred DSP Haider Zaman, comprising police, district administration and other relevant departments.

The force would monitor mining activities and prevent illegal extraction. A new policy and permanent regulatory mechanism for gold mining would also be formulated within three weeks, he added.

The governor further announced a judicial commission, headed by a retired former Peshawar High Court judge, to investigate the Kohat incident.

The commission, he said, would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, illegal mining, the alleged involvement of influential figures and possible links between mining and terrorism.

Kundi said the province's resources had been exploited for the past 13 years, while certain elements were unnecessarily creating controversy over the Mines and Minerals issue.

He maintained that the provincial mineral resources were not being transferred elsewhere and that the government intended to ensure that their benefits reached the people.

Referring to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum held in Islamabad on November 12-13, he described it as successful, saying delegations from across the world and representatives of all provinces had participated. He praised the field marshal and PM for the successful organisation of the event and invited international investors to explore investment opportunities in K-P.

He said the provincial government would seek to secure agreements better than those involving Thar coal and Reko Diq so that local people could benefit from the province's mineral wealth.

Kundi said the emergency imposed in the province had completed one month and the government would work to improve the situation, with the establishment of peace and protection of citizens remaining its foremost priorities.

He said all gold mining licences had been suspended or cancelled and no one would be allowed to undertake gold extraction from that day onwards. Contractors had been directed to vacate the sites within seven days, failing which their machinery would be confiscated and legal action initiated.

The governor said no one would be targeted for political reasons, but those involved in illegal activities, whether politicians, government officials or members of any other institution, would face accountability without discrimination.

"The province can no longer afford to allow its resources to be exploited at the expense of its people. We will protect their rights and ensure that mineral wealth benefits the public," he added.