DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Frontier Mine Owners Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed “Harmonization of Minerals Act 2025”, calling it an attempt to undermine provincial autonomy. The association urged the KP Chief Minister and Assembly members not to pass the act without addressing their reservations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club (PPC), the association’s President Sherbandi Marwat, General Secretary Taimur Khan, and representatives of the Mine Workers Union criticized the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for bypassing provincial consultation while drafting the act.
They argued that the act disregards input from the business community and mineral departments of all provinces, contradicting its original intent of ensuring nationwide consensus.
The mine owners accused the federal authorities of imposing restrictive policies, including a three-year prospecting period with no extensions and high bank guarantees for small leases, which they claim will drive out local investors.
They also opposed the establishment of a federal board for mineral fees, royalties, and regulation, terming it a violation of the Eighteenth Amendment.
Furthermore, the association highlighted the lack of security for domestic and foreign investors in the mineral sector, warning that the act’s provisions could favor large capitalists over local leaseholders. They demanded that all provincial concerns be incorporated into the act to ensure fair and transparent mineral management.
The association revealed that letters detailing their grievances had been sent to the Prime Minister, Army Chief, and Chief Minister, but no response had been received.
They warned that if the act is passed without addressing their concerns, both government and opposition lawmakers would be seen as opponents of provincial rights and the Eighteenth Amendment.
