PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suspended all gold mining leases and related activities across the province.
The decision has made after a deadly security incident in Kohat. The provincial government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged illegal mining and its links with terrorism.
This was announced by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi here at Governor’s House here on Saturday.
Advisor to Governor on Minerals Dr Sarfaraz Ali, Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid flanked the Governor on the occasion.
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The Governor said that all gold mining activities in the province would remain suspended with immediate effect.
He warned that no individual or company would be allowed to continue gold mining after the announcement and that machinery of those violating the ban would be confiscated.
Faisal Karim Kundi said a special task force, being established in the name of martyred DSP Haider Zaman, would comprise personnel from various relevant departments and institutions. The force would formulate a permanent regulatory mechanism for mining activities within three weeks.
He also announced the formation of a judicial commission, headed by a retired former judge of the Peshawar High Court, to investigate illegal mining and identify those providing patronage to the unlawful activity.
The Governor said the commission would examine all aspects of illegal mining, adding that no one would be subjected to political victimisation, but anyone found involved in illegal activities would face accountability without discrimination.
Referring to the tragic Kohat incident, Kundi said 10 security personnel had embraced martyrdom following an attack by Fitna-al-Khawarij after an operation against illegal gold mining.
He paid tribute to the security personnel who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country and said that 18 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij were also killed during the operation.
“The series of sacrifices must come to an end now, and this situation will no longer be tolerated,” he said, adding that all elements involved in attacks against security forces would be brought to justice.
He said the government was determined to establish peace, ensure public safety and protect the province’s natural resources from exploitation.
Sharing details of the alleged illegal mining network in Kohat, the Governor claimed that illegal mining worth Rs4.29 billion was being carried out in the area.
He alleged that the proceeds from illegal mining were being transferred to Afghanistan and used to finance anti-Pakistan activities and terrorism.
According to the Governor, approximately 90 kilograms of gold were being extracted illegally every month, while the money generated through the activity was allegedly being used against police and security forces.
He further claimed that a youth committee had been established to facilitate illegal mining and collect extortion money.
Faisal Karim Kundi alleged that 12 political personalities were among those suspected of patronising illegal mining.
However, he clarified that none of the 12 individuals had been nominated in an FIR so far and their names had only appeared in an investigative report. Formal cases would be registered after completion of the investigation, he added.
The Governor also alleged that members of a terrorist group belonging to Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province were involved in the illegal mining network.
He further accused the previous provincial government of having links with the Taliban, claiming that illegal mining activities had continued under a patronage network.
Speaking about broader governance measures, Kundi said practical steps and administrative actions were being taken following the imposition of emergency in the province.
He said the government was working to address past injustices against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and improve the governance system through effective measures.
“The establishment of peace and protection of the people are our foremost priorities. We will not allow anyone to plunder the province’s resources and will protect them at all costs,” he said.
Referring to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 held in Islamabad, he said delegations from across the world had participated in the event, with all provinces represented.
He appreciated the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and CDF Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir for the successful organisation of the forum, saying the provincial government would strive to secure the best possible agreements in the interest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Kundi said certain elements were unnecessarily creating controversy over the Mines and Minerals issue, clarifying that no provincial resources were being transferred elsewhere.
He maintained that the province’s rights and interests would be defended at every forum and that an effective system of accountability would be introduced to protect public resources.
“We have burnt our boats in the war against terrorism, and defeat is not in our dictionary,” he said.
The Governor warned all those involved in unlawful activities to mend their ways, otherwise strict action would be taken against them.
“Neither the country nor the province will now be run under the doctrine of expediency. Anyone found involved in illegal activities will face accountability without discrimination. The practice of our resources being used against us has now come to an end,” he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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