PESHAWAR: Residents and elders of Karak district have voiced serious concern over ongoing illegal gold mining in residential areas, warning that the activity is causing severe damage to the region’s rich olive forests. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, locals said that despite a ban imposed by the district administration, illegal mining operations continue unabated in residential localities, posing grave threats to olive plantations. APP
They expressed deep concern over the situation and called on the relevant authorities to ensure immediate enforcement of the ban.
They pointed out that the Deputy Commissioner Karak imposed Section 144 in the affected areas through a notification issued on January 5, 2026. The notification states that gold mining activities in residential areas are continuing in violation of official orders, prompting the imposition of a 60-day ban on all such activities within the jurisdiction of Sabirabad police station.
According to local residents, extensive olive forests are located in the villages of Tarki Khel and Badin Khel, and unchecked mining activities pose a serious risk to these environmentally significant plantations. They warned that continued mining could result in land erosion, contamination of water resources and increased safety risks for nearby populations.
The residents added that olive cultivation serves as a key source of livelihood for many local farmers, and any damage to the forests would have long-term environmental and economic consequences for the area. They urged the district administration and the mining department to take strict action against those involved in illegal mining and ensure full implementation of the imposed ban.
