PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into massive irregularities worth trillions of rupees uncovered in the auction of placer gold blocks along the Kabul and Indus rivers.
According to official sources, the decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the auction process, including the determination of reserve prices and other serious violations. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 15 days.
During the briefing, the provincial secretary for minerals informed the cabinet that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had already highlighted severe violations in the bidding process for gold exploration and mining.
The reported irregularities include faulty feasibility studies, manipulation in reserve price assessments, absence of mandatory No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), violations of environmental laws, unsafe use of mercury, sub-letting of leases, and failure to submit accurate sales and revenue data.
While the secretary suggested halting mining operations immediately, the cabinet opted to proceed with a formal inquiry first.
The inquiry committee will be led by the Chief Minister’s Advisor on Anti-Corruption, with the Chairman of the Provincial Inspection Team, the Advocate General, and retired officer Engineer Fazal Raziq as members.
Meanwhile, authorities launched operations along the Indus River in Swabi, Nowshera, and Kohat to curb illegal mining activities. Under Section 144, all unauthorized operations were suspended, and heavy machinery was seized.
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