KP governor orders cancellation of lease agreements, licenses to foreigners

Seeks report from FDA in seven days

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has taken serious notice of a news item published in The News about issuance of mining licenses and leases to foreigners in Fata on the basis of fraudulently made Pakistani nationality documents and directed the relevant officials to cancel forthwith such lease agreements and licenses.

According to an official handout, he further directed to put on hold the other lease cases in the pipeline till proper verification.The governor directed strict action against those involved in issuance of forged identity documents and licenses.

Sardar Mahtab said the issuance of fake identity documents was a serious and sensitive matter which has also caused security problem. He said such wrong acts would not be tolerated and the rights of tribesmen would be protected at all costs.

The governor directed the relevant officials to contact the Federal Ministry of Interior and probe the matter to take action against those involved in issuing fake identity documents.Expressing dismay on the issue, the governor directed the chief executive of the Fata Development Authority (FDA) to investigate the matter of issuance of licenses and leases to foreigners and Afghan nationals against fake documents and asked him to submit the report within seven days. He also directed immediate cancellation of leases and licenses issued on forged identity documents and taking action against the officials involved in issuance of licenses on fake documents.

The governor also directed investigation into the issuance of mining license to an Afghan national, Hamid Khan, whose real name is Toryali. He further directed that strict implementation of the required criteria for the grant of lease should be ensured.

He emphasized that the tribal people were the real custodian of the mineral resources in Fata and their rights would be ensured at any cost.He said the foreigners and their facilitators involved in issuance of fake documents would be dealt with strictly and taken to task.The governor said those having information about such wrongdoings should report the issue to the Governor’s Secretariat so that timely action could be taken.