KP CM Rejects Claims of Ceding Authority in Minerals Act Amendments

  • KP CM: Tweaks are part of a reform strategy aimed at uplifting the minerals sector.
  • Gandapur pledges zero compromise on KP’s rights and rejects undue interference.
  • Detailed discussions on the proposed law amendments are assured.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has firmly denied recent reports, dismissing them as baseless propaganda, which alleged that amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act would surrender provincial authority. The News reported on Wednesday that the chief minister addressed these concerns directly.

In a video statement, CM Gandapur stated unequivocally, “The powers of the province cannot and will not be surrendered.” He described the claims as false and fabricated, suggesting they were motivated by personal vendettas.

The chief minister elaborated that the proposed amendments are integral to his government’s broader reform agenda, designed to boost transparency and efficiency within the minerals sector.

“Vested interests are misrepresenting these reforms for their own benefit,” he asserted.

Highlighting advancements in policy improvements, the chief executive noted, “For the first time in 76 years, we successfully auctioned four placer gold mining sites through a transparent process, generating Rs 5 billion for the province.”

He pointed out that the revenue from these four sites alone surpassed the total annual earnings of the Minerals Department in previous years. The CM reaffirmed his dedication to achieving financial self-sufficiency through ongoing reforms and stricter enforcement against illegal mining.

“Exporting raw minerals does not benefit our industries, generate jobs, or increase revenue,” he added.

Meanwhile, Barrister Saif, Adviser to the KP CM on Information, also raised concerns about a mafia opposing the proposed changes to the relevant law.

“The CM wants to free the minerals sector from the clutches of the mafia,” Saif stated on Wednesday.

The adviser noted that this “mafia” is attempting to undermine CM Gandapur’s reform agenda, questioning how they could surrender rights to the federal government when they do not even recognize it.

“The proposed amendments in the Mines and Minerals Act are no secret […] The purpose of the proposed amendments is to make the minerals sector strong and profitable,” Saif explained, ensuring that the opposition’s views would be considered in the assembly.

What are the Proposed Changes to the Law?

Notably, according to the CM, the proposed legal framework includes the confiscation of equipment used in illegal mining operations.

To encourage local investment, the government intends to offer longer lease periods to investors who establish value-added facilities within the province. Conversely, leaseholders who delay the start of mining operations will face reduced timelines to deter speculative holding of mineral rights.

As part of the structural reforms, the chief minister announced that the authority for granting mining leases, previously held solely by the director general, would now be vested in a multi-member committee composed of officials from relevant departments, ensuring greater transparency.

“These amendments are part of a comprehensive reform strategy to uplift the minerals sector,” Gandapur stated. “Claims about transferring control over provincial resources are nothing more than propaganda.”

He reiterated his government’s commitment to defending the province’s rights, including those related to National Finance Commission shares, net hydel profits, funds for merged districts, and the tobacco cess.

Appealing to the public to avoid being misled by misinformation, Gandapur said, “This is our land, and we will not compromise on its interests or allow interference in our authority.”

He welcomed constructive criticism and open debate. “If anyone has concerns, they are free to review the relevant records. The amendments have only been introduced in the assembly and will undergo detailed discussion involving both the government and the opposition,” he added.

He dismissed allegations of relinquishing provincial control as completely unfounded, asserting that those spreading such propaganda were neither sincere to the people nor to the province.