KP government extends the province-wide ban on illegal gold extraction

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has extended the province-wide ban on illegal gold extraction from riverbanks under Section 144 for an additional 30 days.

According to the official notification, the ban specifically targets gold extraction activities along the banks of the Indus and Kabul rivers, particularly in Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, and surrounding regions.

Authorities stated that illegal gold extraction has severely damaged riverbanks, polluted water sources, and posed significant health and environmental risks. The government also highlighted growing concerns over law and order issues, local disputes, and possible smuggling linked to the illegal trade.

District administrations and police have been directed to take strict legal action, including confiscation of machinery and vehicles involved in the unlawful activity.

Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is investigating a large-scale corruption case concerning gold extraction contracts. According to NAB sources, billions of rupees were allegedly embezzled in these contracts. The bureau has already seized records from the provincial mineral department.

Reports suggest that gold has been illegally extracted from the Indus River in Nizampur, Swabi, Kohistan, Kohat, and other areas, with a key contract reportedly awarded for Rs. 4 billion instead of its original value of Rs. 6 billion.