The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Home Department has formally allowed green mining operations to resume across the province. According to an official notification, green mines may operate without explosives. The notification declared green mining projects to be projects of national interest, paving the way for the resumption of operations in all districts of the province. District administrations and law enforcement agencies have been directed to take the necessary measures to facilitate the revival of green mining operations.

The notification said surface mining and other related activities would also be permitted at green mines. The decision to resume green mining operations was taken in light of a clearance letter issued on September 10, according to the notification. Last year, police arrested two suspects for illegally extracting sand and gravel (reti bajri) from the Malir River.

According to police, the suspects were using heavy machinery to remove large quantities of river silt in Karachi’s Malir district. During the operation, authorities seized two dumpers and loaders, which were transferred to the police station. The Mines and Minerals Department, alongside police, conducted the raid and arrested both suspects along with the equipment. Police said the group had been involved in stealing sand from the Malir River under the cover of darkness. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)