Governor Faisal Karim Kundi orders leaseholders to remove machinery within seven days following a deadly operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat.
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced the cancellation of all gold mining leases and the immediate suspension of mining activities across the province following allegations of widespread illegal extraction and links between mining operators and militants.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, accompanied by the provincial adviser for mines and minerals, chief secretary and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Kundi directed leaseholders and contractors to remove their heavy machinery from mining areas within seven days.
He warned that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining and take strict action against those violating the restrictions.
The announcement follows a deadly police operation against illegal gold mining at Darabo Kach, near Kohat, in which 10 police officials were martyred and 18 militants were killed.
Kundi alleged that militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked police personnel returning from the operation. He claimed that illegal mining operators were paying extortion money to militants in exchange for protection.
The governor also announced the establishment of a task force named after martyred DSP Haidar Zaman, saying its formation had been approved.
Illegal Mining and Revenue Losses
Providing details of the alleged illegal mining operations, Kundi said Kohat had two mineral blocks, identified as Blocks C and D. He claimed that around 8,350 tractors and tractor-trolleys, 1,730 heavy dumpers and labourers were involved in mining activities.
According to the governor, approximately 90 kilogrammes of gold were extracted from the area every month, generating an estimated Rs4.2 billion in gold revenue. He alleged that around 80% of the proceeds were being transferred to Afghanistan and used to finance activities against Pakistan.
Kundi further claimed that one mining block had been leased for Rs4.92 billion despite the estimated monthly value of gold extracted from the area.
He also named several political figures allegedly providing backing to illegal mining operations, while clarifying that no first information reports (FIRs) had been registered against the individuals mentioned.
The governor announced that a judicial commission would investigate illegal gold mining and the Kohat incident, with action promised against anyone found responsible.
Referring to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, Kundi said the government wanted to attract international investors to KP’s mining sector and create employment opportunities for young people.
He stressed that protecting provincial mineral resources and restoring peace remained the government’s priorities.