PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced the cancellation of a gold-mining lease in the province, directing contractors to remove their machinery within one week or face legal action.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, Kundi warned that strict action would be taken against contractors who failed to comply with the directive.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of gold-mining operations and alleged irregularities in the province’s mineral sector.
Gold-mining contracts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced questions over auction procedures, lease allocations and alleged violations of regulatory requirements. The National Accountability Bureau has also sought records relating to disputed mining contracts awarded along the Indus and Kabul rivers.
Authorities have also intensified action against illegal gold extraction, particularly along the Indus River. Recent enforcement operations in Kohat have resulted in arrests and restrictions on mining machinery as part of efforts to curb unauthorised activities.
The governor’s latest announcement signals further action concerning gold-mining operations in the province.
