Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has cancelled gold mining leases and halted all mining activity across the province with immediate effect. He made the announcement at a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday.
Flanked by the provincial adviser for mines and minerals, the chief secretary and Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed, Kundi ordered leaseholders and contractors to move their heavy machinery out of the affected areas within seven days. He said there would be no tolerance for illegal mining and that people found breaking the restrictions would face strict action.
Kohat clash behind the mining crackdown
The decision came only days after a deadly confrontation in Kohat district. Police said 10 policemen were martyred and 18 terrorists were killed in a gunfight during an operation against illegal gold mining at Darabo Kach, near Kohat. According to police, the operation was carried out by KP police together with the local civil administration.
Also read: 12 policemen injured in Kohat ambush during anti-mining raid
Kundi said a major operation had been launched against illegal mining in the area. He added that militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked police personnel as they were returning from it. He alleged that these militants had ties to people involved in illegal mining, claiming that mining operators paid them extortion money in exchange for protection.
“How long will we continue to make sacrifices? This will no longer be allowed,” he said, promising zero tolerance for those behind the attack.
Task force and mining figures cited by the governor
Kundi announced a task force named after the martyred DSP Haidar Zaman, saying approval for its establishment had been granted. He also gave figures on the alleged illegal activity in Kohat, which he said has two mineral blocks, identified as C and D.
He said 8,350 tractors with tractor-trolleys, along with 1,730 heavy dumpers and labourers, were being used in illegal operations. According to Kundi, one mining block had been leased for Rs4.92 billion, while roughly 80% of the money generated was flowing to Afghanistan. He further said the funds were being used to finance terrorism and activities against Pakistan.
The governor also claimed that around 90 kilograms of gold were being extracted from the area every month.
Governor’s rule and plans for the minerals sector
Kundi said he was working with his team since governor’s rule was imposed in the province, and that maintaining peace was the government’s foremost priority. Stressing the need to protect the province’s mineral wealth, he said: “We will not allow anyone to plunder our resources.”
Referring to the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, held in Islamabad this week, he said delegations from across the world had taken part in discussions on mines and minerals. The provincial government intends to invite the international community to explore opportunities in the sector, he said, adding that development, prosperity and jobs for young people remain among its priorities.
