DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Expressing serious concern over the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act 2025, Provincial Chairman of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, strongly opposed the inclusion of federal involvement in what he termed as a purely provincial subject.
Addressing a party meeting held at Watan Kor, Peshawar, Sherpao said the proposed legislation undermines the spirit of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and threatens the hard-earned provincial autonomy.
“Giving the federation a role in this matter is not only unconstitutional but also a direct attack on the rights of the province,” he asserted.
The meeting was convened to thoroughly review the provisions of the proposed Mines and Minerals Act 2025. Party members unanimously rejected the draft, declaring it against the interests of KP.
Sherpao emphasized that even the notification of strategic minerals lies within the domain of the province, and any interference by the federal government would not be acceptable.
Calling the draft legislation a “conspiracy to usurp provincial rights,” Sherpao criticized the provincial government for its failure to safeguard the region’s resources.
He said, “Despite having no previous federal role, this proposed law seeks to reduce the powers gained through the 18th Amendment. If passed, the responsibility for this injustice will rest with the provincial government and its representatives.”
He further stated that the Qaumi Watan Party would stand firm in defense of the province’s rights and oppose any move that threatens its control over its natural resources. “The mineral wealth of KP belongs solely to its people, and no external supremacy or interference will be tolerated,” he added.
Sherpao also accused the current provincial leadership of compromising on the interests of the province for personal and political gain, and reiterated that the QWP would resist any such efforts at all levels.
