President of the Minerals Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afsar Muhammad Khan, here Monday called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on explosives used in mining activities, saying that the economic hardships faced by mining leaseholders and workers must be ended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 31st Aug, 2026) President of the Minerals Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afsar Muhammad Khan, here Monday called for the immediate lifting of restrictions on explosives used in mining activities, saying that the economic hardships faced by mining leaseholders and workers must be ended in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Afsar Muhammad Khan, accompanied by General Secretary of the association Syed Abdul Rauf Shah and mining leaseholders from different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanded that the provincial government amend the Minerals Act 2017 in consultation with all genuine stakeholders associated with the mining sector.
He said the government should review the existing explosives policy in consultation with mining leaseholders and introduce practical and workable standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure safety without bringing mining activities and employment to a halt.
He particularly demanded the immediate lifting of the ban on loading and transportation of minerals already extracted in Bajaur and other areas, arguing that such activities have no connection with the use of explosives.
Afsar Muhammad Khan said the Department of Minerals was established for the development of the province’s mineral resources and should not be treated merely as a revenue-generating department.
He called for immediate amendments to the Minerals Act 2017 through an empowered committee comprising representatives of leaseholders, mining workers and other genuine stakeholders.
He also demanded the restructuring or dissolution of MEFA, arguing that its members did not adequately represent the actual stakeholders of the mining sector.
He urged the provincial government to establish a Minerals Development Bank and ensure that royalty generated from the sector is utilized for the development of mining communities and the promotion of the mining industry.
Regarding forests and protected areas, Afsar Muhammad Khan said regulated mining should be permitted under appropriate environmental and safety conditions.
He alleged that MEFA had imposed a blanket ban on mining in Guzara forests despite provisions of the Minerals Act 2017, and demanded that any policy inconsistent with the law be reviewed immediately.
He further criticized large-scale mining operations, saying that local communities in areas including Dir, Chitral and Malakand should not be deprived of their natural resources. He called for greater opportunities for local investors and mining workers, including interest-free financial assistance, machinery and small mining areas for local workers’ groups.
The association president also called for the promotion of local investment and value addition so that mineral processing could be carried out within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, creating employment and generating greater economic benefits for the province. He demanded that small areas also be allocated to local workers for placer-gold mining.
Afsar Muhammad Khan said the mining community was not opposed to regulations, safety standards or environmental protection. However, he stressed that the government should introduce a fair, transparent and workable system that protects employment and livelihoods while promoting the sustainable development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral resources.
He urged the provincial government to immediately hold meaningful negotiations with representatives of the Minerals Association and mining workers and resolve their issues without further delay.
