DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The provincial government on Thursday imposed a 60-day ban on illegal mining and extraction of placer gold along the banks of the Indus River and the Kabul River in several districts under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
An official order issued by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said the restriction would apply to the jurisdictions of Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat and Karak, including adjoining affected areas.
The order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ikram Ullah Khan, stated that the decision followed reports from relevant departments and deliberations of the provincial cabinet regarding ongoing illegal mining activities along riverbanks.
According to the order, such activities were causing environmental degradation, contamination of water resources and destruction of the local landscape, while posing health and safety risks to nearby communities.
The government also expressed concern that unlawful mining could trigger breaches of peace, disputes among local groups, illegal transportation of extracted material and smuggling of fuel for excavation machinery.
Authorities noted that certain organised groups involved in illegal operations possessed substantial financial resources and might resist enforcement efforts, potentially endangering public safety and law enforcement personnel.
The provincial cabinet directed the Minerals Development Department to lead a coordinated crackdown on illegal mining, with support from district administrations and police. Additional personnel will be deployed where required to ensure effective enforcement and prevent any law and order situation during the operation.
Under the order, district administrations and police have been authorised to take all lawful measures to implement the ban, including seizure and confiscation of machinery, vehicles and equipment used in violation.
Officials warned that violators would be liable to punishment under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.
