Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced a ban on gold mining across the province and the revocation of all mining leases as part of a crackdown on illegal mining.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Kundi condemned the attack in Kohat that killed 10 police personnel returning from an operation against illegal mining. He vowed strict action against those responsible and their alleged facilitators, declaring zero tolerance for involvement in illegal activities.
The governor directed mining leaseholders to remove heavy machinery from the affected areas within seven days. He warned that equipment left behind after the deadline would be seized.
He also said fines for violations could reach Rs2 million under the law, instead of the Rs25,000 to Rs30,000 penalties previously imposed by magistrates. The administration, he added, was investigating why fines had not been enforced in accordance with legal provisions.
Governor Alleges Link Between Illegal Mining and Militancy
Kundi alleged that illegal miners had established a connection with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the state refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij.
He claimed miners paid extortion money to militants in exchange for protection and alleged that the arrangement contributed to the killing of police personnel in Kohat.
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According to the governor, mining was taking place in two areas, identified as blocks C and D. He shared figures indicating the scale of the activity, including 8,350 trucks, 3,660 excavators, 1,730 tractor trolleys with dynamos, 1,600 dumpers and 200 heavy loaders.
He estimated that between 49,000 and 51,000 labourers were involved and claimed illegal mining generated Rs4.92 billion monthly. Kundi further alleged that 80 per cent of the profits were transferred to Afghanistan and used to support terrorist activities. These claims were presented by the governor and were not independently established in the press conference.
Politicians Named in Alleged Illegal Mining Network
The governor shared a list of 12 politicians and other individuals whom he alleged were involved in illegal mining activities. The names included PTI members Aftab Alam, MNA Shehryar Afridi and Senator Khurram Zeeshan; former Gambat town nazim Sajid Iqbal; former Lachi town nazim Ehsan; former PPP MNA Amjad Afridi; former JUI-F district mayor Seth Saifullah; Naseem Afridi; former JUI-F candidate Advocate Hammad Azam; Naveed, identified as the brother of Sohail Afridi; Azhar Bukhari; and Nazir Afridi.
Kundi also referred to an alleged committee formed in February 2026 under the chairmanship of a Taliban leader identified as Naimatullah alias Commander. He claimed it collected weekly extortion payments of Rs800,000 from local residents and Rs110,000 from non-local residents.
The governor said politicians, bureaucrats, police officers and anyone else found involved would face legal action, adding that the administration would not pursue political victimisation.
Task Force and Judicial Commission Announced
Kundi announced the formation of a task force named after martyred Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman. It will prepare a comprehensive strategy for regulating gold mining in the province within three weeks.
The proposed framework will cover mining leases, relevant laws and security arrangements for mining workers.
He also announced that a judicial commission headed by a retired Peshawar High Court judge would be formed by the following week to investigate the Kohat attack and identify those responsible.
The governor urged members of the KP Advisory Council to investigate alleged illegal mining networks and examine how large numbers of mining licences had been issued.
Governor Vows to Protect Provincial Resources
Referring to the two-day minerals conference held recently, Kundi said the provincial administration was interested in joint ventures with national and international investors to develop the province’s natural resources.
However, he stressed that protecting local communities and their rights would remain the priority.
He rejected allegations that the government intended to sell provincial resources, saying investment would proceed while safeguarding public interests. He also accused those opposing the initiative of having been involved in exploiting the province’s resources.
Kundi’s announcement comes after the federal government imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in KP in October 2026, following the president’s approval of the federal cabinet’s recommendations. The move was linked to concerns about the security situation and the provincial government’s alleged disengagement from counterterrorism efforts.
An 11-member technocratic KP Advisory Council was subsequently established to assist the governor in administering the province.
The governor said restoring peace, protecting residents and securing the province’s natural resources were the administration’s top priorities. He reiterated that accountability would apply regardless of an individual’s political position or influence.
