The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has released a white paper outlining the key components of the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025. This legislation is designed to align provincial mineral laws with those at the federal level and other provinces while promoting both domestic and international investment in the sector.
The document outlines the establishment of a Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority and the digitalization of the mineral licensing system to enhance transparency and accessibility. The proposed law also shortens the license duration to three years to streamline the lease acquisition process.
An independent appellate tribunal is set to be formed, ensuring swift and impartial resolution of disputes. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive geological database by the department and proposes the creation of a special enforcement force to crack down on illegal mining. Offenders will face equipment confiscation and monetary penalties.
To protect existing stakeholders, the white paper states that all current leases and applications will remain valid under the new legislation.
Responding to concerns raised by political figures, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur clarified that the proposed reforms do not compromise the province’s autonomy or transfer authority to any external body. He criticized opposition to the reforms, suggesting that certain vested interests may be resisting the changes for personal benefit.
Highlighting the government’s reform agenda, Gandapur noted that illegal mining has continued unchecked at four gold mines for the past 76 years, with no action from previous administrations.
The proposed bill has sparked debate within the ranks of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with various factions expressing differing views. However, a detailed meeting of PTI’s political committee concluded that the bill does not delegate provincial control or resources to the federal government, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), or any other federal body.
The committee emphasized that the bill will not be passed without comprehensive consultation and the formal endorsement of PTI founder Imran Khan. It reaffirmed that all parliamentary parties will be engaged during the review process and that the legislation will reflect the party’s manifesto, leadership vision, and public expectations.
