The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government introduced the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 in the KP Provincial Assembly on April 4, 2025. This bill aims to assert the province’s authority over its natural resources. However, the bill has sparked considerable debate on social media.
Some claim the bill will lead to the exploitation of KP’s mineral resources, with the federal government seizing control and undermining provincial autonomy, ultimately benefiting no one locally.
These claims are countered by the KP government, which emphasizes that extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including the Minerals Association, preceded the bill’s introduction. The government’s efforts to engage in constructive dialogue have been overshadowed by the politicization of the bill, including by Imran Khan’s sister, who has controversially linked its passage to her brother’s release from prison.
Understanding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025
The bill is a strategic initiative designed to leverage KP’s mineral wealth for economic development. Obstacles created by political biases risk hindering the province’s progress and prosperity. The bill’s primary goal is to create a stable and attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment in the mining sector.
Crucially, the bill aligns with the National Minerals Harmonization Framework 2025, promoting cooperation between federal and provincial governments. Accusations of discord are therefore baseless.
The bill will regulate mineral resources in merged districts and sub-divisions under Schedule 11, effective until December 31, 2030. Importantly, the bill explicitly excludes the issuance of licenses for resources related to nuclear energy, mineral oil, and natural gas. Upon approval, the bill will take immediate effect, aiming to establish transparency, an efficient administrative structure within the mining sector, and a consistent legal and financial framework aligned with other provinces.
The bill is intended to benefit the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by creating a favourable investment climate, effectively utilizing mineral resources for the benefit of the entire region, and strengthening the national economy.
However, achieving this requires harmony between the province and the federation. Therefore, it is crucial to disregard the misleading propaganda surrounding the Mines and Minerals Bill and focus on its potential for positive economic and social impact.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the writing are the author’s own and do not represent the policy of Khabar Kada.
