KP suspends gold mining across province, orders judicial probe into illegal operations

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi announced on Saturday that KP suspends gold mining across the province, including all existing leases. He ordered a judicial probe into alleged political and administrative protection of illegal mining, after an attack in Kohat killed 10 police personnel.

Why did KP suspend gold mining?

The suspension follows a November 11 attack in Kohat on police officers returning from an operation against illegal mining. Ten personnel were killed and several others were injured. Provincial authorities responded by announcing a wider crackdown on unauthorized mining, including a ban on operations and a hold on existing gold mining leases.

Kundi made the announcement at a news conference alongside Adviser on Minerals Dr Sarfaraz Ali, Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed. He said a commission led by a retired high court judge would investigate the alleged mining network and those accused of protecting it.

The inquiry will also examine allegations that proceeds from illegal gold extraction were sent to Afghanistan and used to finance terrorism and activities against Pakistan, the governor said.

What did the governor say about illegal mining in Kohat?

Kundi claimed that about 90 kilograms of gold were being extracted illegally in Kohat every month. He put the value of mining activities in the district at an estimated Rs4.29 billion. He alleged that some of the proceeds were channelled to Afghanistan and used against police and security forces.

He further alleged that members of a militant group based in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province were involved in the network. The governor also accused the previous provincial government of links with the Taliban. He claimed a youth committee had been formed to collect extortion money tied to illegal mining.

Which political figures were accused of protecting illegal mining?

Kundi accused 12 political figures of providing alleged political patronage to illegal mining operations, naming several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figures. Those named included Naveed Afridi, the brother of suspended Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, former provincial law minister Aftab Alam and Senator Khurram Zeeshan.

The governor did not provide further details of the allegations during the news conference.

What happens to gold mining leases and machinery?

Kundi ordered the suspension of all gold mining activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and placed existing gold mining leases on hold. He warned that anyone who continues mining in violation of the directive will face legal action. Machinery used in unauthorised activities will be confiscated.

Separately, he announced a special task force named after slain Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman. The body will include representatives from relevant government departments and law enforcement agencies. It will work to address illegal mining and related activities.

He said the authorities would pursue those responsible for the November 11 attack and bring them to justice. He added that the sacrifices of security personnel could not continue without an effective response to the threats they faced.