Illegal Gold Mining in KP Linked to Terror Financing in Afghanistan, Governor Claims
Kundi announced a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, saying all gold mining leases in the province were being cancelled and mining activities suspended with immediate effect.
hyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced the immediate suspension of all gold mining activities across the province, alleging that proceeds from illegal mining were being transferred to Afghanistan and used to finance terrorism against Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, the governor revealed that approximately 90 kilogrammes of gold were being extracted every month through illegal mining operations, with a significant portion of the proceeds allegedly flowing into Afghanistan.
Kundi announced a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, saying all gold mining leases in the province were being cancelled and mining activities suspended with immediate effect.
He directed leaseholders and contractors to remove their heavy machinery from mining sites within one week, warning that equipment remaining after the deadline would be confiscated.
The governor also questioned the enforcement of existing penalties, saying magistrates had previously imposed fines of Rs30,000 for confiscated machinery despite the law providing for fines of Rs500,000. He said the matter would be investigated.
According to Kundi, illegal mining operations involved approximately 8,350 tractors and tractor-trolleys, 1,730 heavy dumpers and a large workforce.
He said Kohat had two mineral blocks, C and D, and that one mining block had been leased for Rs4.92 billion.
Illegal Gold Mining Proceeds Allegedly Used to Finance Terrorism
The governor alleged that a substantial share of the money generated through illegal gold mining was being transferred to Afghanistan and used to support terrorist activities against Pakistan.
He further claimed that individuals involved in illegal mining were paying extortion money to terrorist groups in exchange for protection.
Referring to a major crackdown on illegal gold mining in Kohat, Kundi said police had successfully dismantled mining operations in the area.
However, he said terrorists belonging to “Fitna al-Khawarij” attacked police personnel returning from the operation, resulting in the martyrdom of a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and 10 other police personnel.
According to the governor, police killed 11 terrorists in retaliatory action.
Kundi also announced the establishment of a task force named after martyred DSP Haider Zaman, saying its formation had been approved.
He vowed that those responsible for killing police personnel would face strict legal action.
“How long will we continue sacrificing our brave personnel? This cannot go on,” the governor said.
Kundi accused previous administrations of allowing the exploitation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural resources over the past 13 years, pledging to introduce a system of accountability and enforcement.
He said the government’s priority was to utilise the province’s mineral wealth for economic development, prosperity and employment opportunities for young people.
The governor also highlighted international interest in the province’s mineral resources, saying delegations from around the world had participated in a recent mines and minerals conference.
He added that international investors were being invited to explore opportunities in the mining sector to help transform the province’s natural resources into sustainable economic growth.
