Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly refuted the recent social media criticism regarding the province’s Mines and Minerals Act, asserting that the law is a provincial initiative and will be passed in accordance with the directives of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.

During a key briefing in Peshawar on Monday, Gandapur rejected what he called ‘propaganda; against the Mines and Minerals Act. “This is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s own legislation. We will pass it as per the PTI founder’s instructions,“ he stated.

He said a narrative was being developed on social media by creating a propaganda.

Gandapur insisted that there is no clause in the bill that surrenders provincial authority to the federal government, calling out detractors who claim otherwise.

He made it clear that he would not allow illegal mining in the province: “No one will find a lawyer to defend illegal miners. Their machinery will be publicly auctioned.” He further asserted, “I will not let our valuable resources be sold for pennies.”

The Chief Minister categorically denied endorsing any proposals from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a federal initiative. “I never accepted the SIFC suggestion. Show me one clause where we gave federal control—there is none,” he emphasized.

Gandapur welcomes Afghan peace talks

On the diplomatic front, Gandapur welcomed the federal government’s initiative to start talks with Afghanistan but criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s exclusion from the process.

“KP is the biggest stakeholder in Pak-Afghan matters, yet we were not included. This solo flight approach isn’t in anyone’s interest,” he remarked.

He revealed that the KP government had sent Terms of Reference (TORs) for negotiations but never received a response. “Even now, if our tribal Jirga formula is adopted, it can produce meaningful results,” Gandapur said.

Strong words for the federal government

The Chief Minister didn’t hold back in criticizing Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, saying, “Dar is neither here nor there. He represents a Form 47 government that is both incompetent and divisive.” Gandapur also addressed the deportation of Afghan refugees, saying, “We hosted them for years. They deserve a dignified return—not this disgraceful expulsion which only adds to tensions.”

Law Minister: “No clause gives federal control”

KP Law Minister Aftab Alam offered a briefing on the bill saying the Mines and Minerals Bill has been reviewed by all stakeholders, and feedback was incorporated.

He noted that no part of the bill provides the federal government any authority over provincial resources.

Alam added that the bill will be presented only after approval from PTI’s founder, who will be briefed by the chief minister and the political leadership of the party.

No debate would be held on the bill pending an approval from the founder, he said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly briefing session

The proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government once again faced severe opposition during the second consultative session held at the Jirga Hall of the Provincial Assembly. Despite repeated requests and persuasion by the Speaker and government ministers, the session witnessed low attendance and a walkout by opposition parties.

The meeting, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, began with most lawmakers absent from the hall. Those in attendance strongly criticized the bill, expressing their reservations about its implications, especially concerning the rights and autonomy of the merged tribal districts.

PTI lawmaker Anwar, speaking during the session, emphasized that assembly members had come not to simply listen to a briefing but to voice their concerns. Members from the merged districts reportedly remained unsatisfied with the government’s explanations and chose to boycott the briefing in protest.

Awami National Party’s reaction

The Awami National Party (ANP), after presenting its stance on the bill, also decided to walk out of the session. The continued opposition from key political parties raises uncertainty about the bill’s future as consensus remains elusive.

The government’s attempts to gain legislative support for the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 are likely to face further hurdles unless major concerns raised by opposition members are addressed.