The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed a ban on mineral extraction in four districts, including Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, and Karak, under Section 144 in a bid to curb illegal mining and protect rivers from environmental damage. The decision was taken by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department has imposed a ban under Section 144 on illegal gold mining across the affected areas to safeguard natural resources and ensure ecological balance.

According to an official notification, gold mining and extraction activities along the banks of the Indus and Kabul rivers have been strictly prohibited. District administrations and police have been authorised to enforce the ban and seize machinery, vehicles, tools, and other equipment used in illegal mining operations. Officials said the move aims to control unregulated mining, strengthen legal oversight, and protect lives, property, and the environment.

They warned that violators would face strict action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, including confiscation of equipment, fines, imprisonment, or both. Authorities also noted that illegal mining not only causes severe environmental degradation but is often linked to smuggling networks and threats to law and order.

The latest ban follows an earlier crackdown on September 22, when the KP government imposed a 60-day ban on mining activities in Karak district to stem a surge in illegal operations.  That order also invoked Section 144, prohibiting individuals and organisations from engaging in mining during the period. According to reports circulating on social media, gold mining in Karak largely involves illegal placer mining along riverbeds, including areas such as Zarra Khel.

These activities have prompted repeated government crackdowns, with authorities confiscating heavy machinery and taking legal action to curb environmental damage and smuggling, despite Karak’s rich reserves of other minerals such as coal and gypsum.  Officials stressed that the temporary ban is intended to deter unlawful elements and safeguard the province’s valuable mineral wealth, while longer-term measures are considered to regulate mining in an environmentally responsible manner.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)