Action vowed against illegal gold and mineral extraction

PESHAWAR: The provincial government has vowed to take action against those involved in the illegal extraction of gold and other minerals from rivers.

It ordered strict enforcement of the Minerals Act. Offenders will face severe legal consequences, with all machinery used in illegal operations to be confiscated by the state. A strategy was outlined to tackle this illegal activity in a meeting chaired by Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud.

District administrations and police were directed to coordinate closely with the Department of Minerals, forming specialized teams to conduct swift and effective operations.It was decided that legal cases would be filed under both the Minerals Act and the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure strict accountability.

“The government will not tolerate these mafias robbing the people of their resources,” the commissioner said. He said a firm action would be taken against those involved in violence and damage to public property. “They will be held accountable, and the people will be protected”, he added.

The crackdown comes in the wake of a recent incident in Khairabad, Nowshera, where criminals involved in illegal gold extraction attacked government officials, destroyed the vehicle of an additional deputy commissioner, and opened fire on law enforcement personnel.

The commissioner assured that all those responsible for these acts would be brought to justice, with no leniency given.The provincial government will issue a formal tender on October 10 for the regulated extraction of gold and other minerals.

Contractors will be required to employ local labour and utilize local machinery, ensuring that the community directly benefits from these operations through increased employment opportunities.