Peshawar
Dr. Syed Sarfaraz Ali Shah, the Advisor to the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Mines and Mineral Development, P&D, and Energy and Power Departments, highlighted the abundance of precious minerals in the province and the need for their efficient utilization.
He emphasized that the state must establish a firm presence in this domain, stating, “It’s either the Writ of the State or nothing; there is no middle ground.” Dr. Sarfraz Ali Shah instructed authorities to take action against illegal activities under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act and encouraged an increase in legal lease holders.
He also stressed the importance of public awareness regarding illegal mining and the enhancement of constitutional aspects related to mining in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These remarks were made during a high-level meeting chaired by the caretaker provincial advisor on minerals, held to address the issue of illegal mining and its prevention.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat in Peshawar, included the participation of Secretary Minerals Department, DG Mines and Minerals, Deputy Commissioner, SP Nowshera, Assistant Commissioner Kohat, and Assistant Directors of the Mine and Mineral Development Department for Nowshera and Kohat, among other relevant officials.
During the meeting, Dr. Syed Sarfraz Ali Shah was informed that 334 FIRs had been filed in Nizampur ,Nowshera district and 95 FIRs in Kohat district in relation to illegal placer gold mining.
