Govt committed to protecting, utilising mineral resources: CM

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday said the provincial government was committed to protecting and effectively utilising the valuable mineral resources of the province.

He was speaking at the consultative meeting with a delegation from the Minerals Association to discuss the draft KP Mines & Minerals Act 2025.The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, relevant cabinet members, chief secretary, additional chief secretary (Home), and other concerned officials. The delegation was led by Afzar Muhammad, president of the KP Minerals Association, said a handout.

During the meeting, government officials briefed the delegation on various aspects of the proposed bill. Concerns raised by the association were addressed, and the delegation expressed full agreement with the draft act. They also thanked the chief minister for engaging stakeholders before presenting the bill in the provincial assembly, calling it a commendable step. Additionally, the delegation requested further consultation in the rule-making process following the bill’s approval.

Speaking on this occasion, CM Gandapur emphasized that the primary objective of the new legislation was to protect and effectively utilize the province’s valuable mineral resources. He asserted that the proposed act is a provincial government initiative and can be amended if necessary. The law aims to promote legal mining while discouraging illegal practices and is expected to attract foreign investment in the province’s mineral sector.

The chief minister assured the delegation that the rule-making process under the new law would involve extensive consultation with the Minerals Association, ensuring their full representation in forums like the Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority. He reiterated that minerals were a valuable national asset and a trust for future generations, stressing the importance of their judicious utilization.