PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday announced the revocation of all gold-mining leases across the province and gave leaseholders and contractors seven days to remove their machinery from mining sites or face seizure.
The governor alleged that illegal mining was being carried out with the support of terrorists, who collected extortion money from mining operators in return for protection.
He claimed the proceeds were being used to finance attacks on law enforcement agencies.
Addressing a press conference at Governor House, Mr Kundi warned that machinery remaining at the sites after the deadline would be confiscated.
He said fines for violations couldreach Rs2 million under the law compared to penalties of Rs25,000 to Rs30,000 previously imposed by magistrates.
The decision came three days after an attack on a police team returning from an operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat on Nov 11. According to police, 18 terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, while 10 policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman, were martyred.
Mr Kundi said an exemplary operation would be launched against those responsible for the attack and their facilitators, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for anyone involved.
He warned that politicians and officials of state institutions found involved in illegal mining would also face action under the law.
The governor said the administration had launched an operationagainst illegal gold mining following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
He alleged that the province’s resources had been plundered during the PTI’s 13 years in power, while the current administration had begun taking action against those responsible.
He claimed that some elements had started opposing the crackdown and spreading propaganda following the government’s action.
The governor alleged that a ‘Youth Committee’ was formed in February 2026 under the chairmanship of Naimatullah alias Commander, whom he described as a Taliban leader associated with the Afghan Taliban.
According to Mr Kundi, the committee collected Rs800,000 a week from local contractors and Rs1.1m from non-local contractors.
‘Eighty per cent of the profitswere being sent to Afghanistan,’ he claimed, alleging that the money was being used by Fitna al-Khawarij to carry out terrorist activities against Pakistan andits securityforces.
Fitna al-Khawarij is a term used by the state for the banned Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The governor said some 8,350 trucks, 3,660 excavators, 1,730 tractor-trolleys equipped with dynamos, 1,600 dumpers and 200 heavy loaders were involved in mining activities, along with an estimated 49,000 to 51,000 workers.
He claimed that illegal mining generated Rs4.92bn a month and approximately 90 kilograms of gold was extracted every month.
Mr Kundi reiterated that no one involved in plundering the province’s resources would be spared, regardless of their political or institutional position.
He also shared a list of individuals,including 12 politicians, allegedly involved in illegal mining activities, including former provincial law minister Aftab Alam, PTI MNA Sheheryar Afridi, PTI Senator Khurram Zeeshan, former Gumbat town nazim Sajid Iqbal and former Lachi town nazim Ehsan.
Others named by the governor included former PPP MNA Amjad Afridi, former JUI-F district mayor Seth Saifullah, Naseem Afridi, former JUI-F candidate Advocate Hammad Azam, Sohail Afridi’s brother Naveed, Azhar Bukhari and Nazir Afridi.
Task force, judicial probe announced The governor announced the establishment of a task force named after martyred DSP Haider Zaman to formulate a comprehensive strategy for regulating gold mining in KP within three weeks.
He also announced a judicial commission to investigate the Nov 11 attack on police personnel.
‘We are bringing in a comprehensive system governing mining leases, related laws and security for mining workers under future leases,’ he said.
Mr Kundi urged members of the KP Advisory Council to investigate those allegedly involved in illegal mining and examine how such a large number of mining licences had been granted.He said the administration was determined to restore peacein the province and protect its resources. ‘Accepting defeat is not a choice for us,’ he said, reaffirming his commitment to the fight against terrorism.
Referring to the recent two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, the governor said KP was keen to enter into joint ventures to develop its naturalresources.
He said some elements opposed efforts to attract international investors and domestic companies to the province, alleging that its resources werebeing sold off.
‘Protecting the people and their rights will come first. We are not selling your resources. Above all, theinterests ofthe people of the province will be protected,’ he said.
The governor alleged that those opposing investment initiatives were themselves responsible for plundering the province’s resources. He reiterated his call for an effective system of accountability, vowing thatno onefoundresponsible for illegal mining would escape punishment, regardless of their influence or status.