DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has criticised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar`s recent visit to Afghanistan, calling it a unilateral move that `ignored` his province`s strategic and geographical role as the frontline region affected by terrorism.

During a series of meetings at his residence here, the CM claimed that the federal government had adopted KP`s reconciliatory policy but failed to include the province in the actual peace process. `We sent terms of reference for the talks, but received no response, said the CM, adding: `We are the biggest stakeholder in this dialogue, yet sidelined.

On the issue of Afghan refugees, Mr Gandapur condemned the manner of their deportation, saying it had caused unnecessary provocation. `We hosted millions of Afghans with dignity; they must be returned in a respectful manner,` he remarked.

Speaking on the draft Mines and Minerals Act, the chief minister reiterated the province`s sovereign rights over its natural resources. `The Act is KP`s own legislation, and any suggestion of federal oversight is mere propaganda,` he said. `I will not allow illegal mining, and machinery used in such activities will be auctioned publicly.

He proudly noted the increase in mining revenue from Rs6 billion to over Rs9.5 billion and emphasised that KP would not sell its resources for peanuts. He also rejected the Special Investment Facilitation Council`s involvement in KP`s mineral sector, stating that no clause in the law grants such authority to the federal government.