Peshawar, Jan 24, 2026: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to halt the implementation of the Mineral Development Company following public criticism and growing concerns over transparency and intent.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the decision through a social media message, stating that public trust remains the government’s top priority.
He clarified that the bill presented to the provincial cabinet was not the Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, but legislation aimed at establishing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mineral Development Company, similar to existing provincial companies in the energy and oil and gas sectors.
The objective, he said, was to enable the people of KP to benefit from their natural resources while curbing illegal mining and eliminating mafias. However, due to widespread confusion, doubts, and apprehensions among the public regarding mines and minerals, the government has decided to suspend both the company and the legislative process for now.
It may be mentioned that the provincial cabinet had earlier approved the Mineral Development Company bill, but its implementation will remain on hold until broader consensus and public confidence are achieved.
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