Elders from Mohmand reject proposed mines and minerals bill

PESHAWAR: Tribal elders from the Mohmand district on Wednesday rejected the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, calling it a deliberate attempt by the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments to seize natural resources in the tribal regions.

Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, the elders, including Malik Israel Safi, Malik Haji Ahmad, Imran Khan, Jahangir, Malik Zaryat Gul and others said the proposed legislation violated the constitutional, economic and geographical rights of the tribal people and posed serious threats to their way of life.

The elders alleged that local communities were being completely sidelined in the management of mineral sites across Mohmand district. “We are neither being offered employment opportunities nor included in profit-sharing or policy-making related to the exploitation of local resources,” said one of the elders.

They also criticised the awarding of mining contracts to external companies, which they claim were not only damaging the environment but also depriving local youth of job opportunities. The elders reminded the government of promises made at the time of the tribal merger that local lands, resources and cultural identity would be protected.

Describing the new laws as a “clear violation” of these promises, they accused the government of drafting the proposed bills in secrecy without any transparency or consultation with tribal stakeholders. They emphasised the urgent need to expose the vested interests behind these policies.

The elders demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 and called for mandatory inclusion of tribal communities in all decisions regarding local resources. They urged the government to ensure employment, profit-sharing and protection of lands for local residents and to involve traditional jirga systems and tribal elders before any legislation.Warning of serious consequences, the elders stated that they would launch a protest movement across the tribal districts if their demands are not met. And the federal and provincial governments would be responsible for the consequences, they went on to add.