Draft:The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025 is a legislative proposal introduced in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 4 April 2025 to the existing KP Mines and Minerals Act, 2017, aimed at regulating the mining sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. However the bill has sparked controversyamong political leaders, industry stakeholders, and civil society groups., with critics alleging federal overreach and threats to provincial autonomy under the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan.^[1]

The bill was tabled in the KP Provincial Assembly 4 on April 2025, to modernize the mining sector, enhance regulatory frameworks, and attract investment following revisions from an initial draft prepared by the federal government. It seeks to modernize mining regulations but has faced backlash from provincial stakeholders, including PTI leaders and small-scale miners, who argue it disproportionately favors large corporations and federal entities. Key objectives include establishing dedicated licensing and exploration sections within the Directorate of Mines and Minerals, creating a provincial Mines and Mineral Force, and forming a Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority (MIFA) to oversee sector development. ^[1]

The bill has led to internal disagreements within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Notably, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Provincial Minister Atif Khan have clashed over the bill's implications. Atif Khan, along with other ministers, has opposed the bill, stating it is not in the best interest of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In response, Gandapur has dismissed the criticisms, suggesting that the issue is personal rather than substantive.^[2][3][4]

Opposition parties, including the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), have expressed strong objections to the bill. QWP leader Sikandar Sherpao criticized the proposed federal involvement in provincial mineral affairs, describing it as an erosion of the province's authority over its resources.^[5]

The Minerals Association of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has rejected the bill, citing a lack of consultation and transparency. Association leaders have called for the formation of a committee with representation from all stakeholders to develop a consensus on the proposed law. They have also warned of potential economic implications, including rising unemployment and law and order challenges, if the bill is enacted without addressing their concerns.^[6][4]

As of 11 April 2025, the bill remains under consideration in the Provincial Assembly. PTI's provincial spokesperson, Malik Adeel Iqbal has said that the assembly will not approve the bill yet and the final decision will be taken by the party's founding chairman Imran Khan.^[3]

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Minerals Development