JI opposes proposed law on mines, minerals

MINGORA: Former provincial minister and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Inayatullah Khan on Saturday opposed the newly introduced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act 2025 and called it a threat to provincial autonomy.

Addressing a gathering at Al-Markaz Islami in Sangota area of Swat, followed by a press conference, he stated that the Act appeared to be an attempt to hand over provincial resources to the federal government and foreign powers, particularly the United States. He further declared that Jamaat-e-Islami would firmly resist any legislation aimed at weakening the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which ensured provincial autonomy.

Inayatullah announced a major rally to be held on April 20, where thousands of people from Malakand Division would gather to express solidarity with the people of Palestine .

He said the rally would be a clear message of support from the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to their oppressed Muslim brothers and sisters.

Emphasizing Jamaat-e-Islami’s ideological foundation, Inayatullah described the party not just as a political or religious organization, but as part of a global Islamic movement. He urged party workers, especially the youth, to spread the party’s message to every household and play an active role in awakening the public.

The event was also addressed by other prominent party leaders, including JI provincial General Secretary Haleem Bacha, provincial naib ameer Ameer Muhammad Amin, District Ameer Hameedul Haq and others.

The speakers highlighted key issues facing the region and expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Swat and the wider province.

They called on both the federal and provincial governments, as well as security institutions, to take immediate steps to restore law and order and ensure long-term peace in the region.

Participants at the event also condemned the alarming rise in drug use, particularly the spread of crystal meth (ice), noting that elements within government departments were allegedly backing this illegal trade.

They demanded a swift and effective crackdown on drug mafias to protect the youth from falling prey to addiction.

The leaders expressed outrage over what they termed a systematic displacement of local communities through legal tools like Section 4 and 17, as well as under the guise of national surveys.