Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced the immediate suspension of all mining activities across the province and the cancellation of gold mining leases. During a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, Kundi directed contractors and leaseholders to remove heavy machinery from the areas within one week.
The announcement follows a gunfight in the Kohat district where 10 policemen were martyred and 18 terrorists were killed during an operation against illegal gold mining at Darabo Kach. The KP police and local civil administration reported that the operation targeted those involved in illegal mining.
Kundi stated that a major operation had been launched against illegal gold mining in the area and reported that militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked police personnel as they were returning from the site. The governor alleged that these militants have links to individuals involved in illegal mining, claiming that mining operators paid the militants extortion money for protection.
"How long will we continue to make sacrifices? This will no longer be allowed," Kundi said, pledging zero tolerance for those responsible for the terrorist act. He also announced that approval has been granted to establish a task force named after the martyred DSP Haidar Zaman.
Providing details on the illegal activities, Kundi identified two mineral blocks in Kohat, labeled C and D. He stated that 8,350 tractors and tractor-trolleys, 1,730 heavy dumpers, and labourers were being used in illegal operations. Kundi claimed that one mining block was leased for Rs4.92 billion, with approximately 80% of the generated money going to Afghanistan to finance terrorism and activities against Pakistan. He further claimed that approximately 90 kilogrammes of gold are extracted from the area every month.
Kundi said he is working with his team following the imposition of governor's rule in the province to make peace the government's foremost priority. "We will not allow anyone to plunder our resources," he said.
Referring to the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 held in Islamabad this week, Kundi noted that international delegations participated in discussions regarding mines and minerals. He stated the provincial government intends to invite the international community to explore opportunities in the sector to promote development, prosperity, and employment for young people.
