KP assembly briefing on minerals bill stalled 

Muhammad Irshad Ullah

PESHAWAR: A special briefing on the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly descended into chaos on Monday after a heated exchange between treasury and opposition members, prompting the speaker to adjourn the session until April 21.

The briefing, held at the assembly’s Jirga Hall, was arranged to address concerns surrounding the bill and to build consensus ahead of its formal presentation.

It was attended by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, provincial law miister, Advocate General of KP, opposition lawmakers, and MPAs from the ruling benches. Officials from the Minerals Department, including the secretary and director general, were also present to provide technical input.

Opposition raises objections

Tensions emerged early in the session when PTI lawmaker Abdul Salam Afridi objected to the bill, terming it “against public interest” and claiming it would facilitate “unfair control over provincial resources.” His remarks were endorsed by ANP MPA Mohammad Nisar, who alleged that the draft legislation aimed to transfer mineral rights to private firms through non-transparent means.

The situation worsened when a verbal altercation broke out between Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi and ANP’s Mohammad Nisar.

Mr Nisar accused the government of attempting to “plunder” the province’s natural resources, prompting a sharp retort from Mr Afridi, who alleged that the ANP had supported similar legislation in Balochistan and had presided over rampant corruption in the sector during its tenure.

Session adjourned

Speaker Swati intervened and adjourned the session, urging lawmakers to maintain decorum and engage in meaningful dialogue. He directed members to submit written concerns for the next session scheduled for April 21.

Differing perspectives

While the government insists the bill seeks to curb illegal mining and introduce reforms to modernize the sector, the opposition particularly PTI and ANPhas demanded further consultation and revisions to safeguard public interest.

The standoff reflects the broader tension within the provincial assembly, especially over the control and management of KP’s natural resources. Observers warn that continued deadlock could impact the passage of other key legislative items in the days to come.