PESHAWAR: Senior analyst Syed Shah Raza has made serious allegations regarding the management of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral resources, claiming that the province’s valuable mineral wealth has been exploited through a network involving political figures, government officials and contractors.
Speaking during a discussion, Syed Shah Raza questioned the repeated claims about the whereabouts of KP’s mineral resources, arguing that the provincial government had controlled the Mines and Minerals Department for approximately 13 and a half years.
He alleged that despite the province’s mineral wealth, questions remained about how the revenues generated from these resources had been managed and distributed.
Claims Regarding Chitral’s Mineral Resources
Raza claimed that Chitral possesses some of Pakistan’s most valuable mineral deposits. He further alleged that permits for valuable mineral resources in the district had been issued in the names of Shareez Khan, identified in his remarks as the son of a relative of PTI founder Imran Khan, and Shareez Khan’s wife, who he said belongs to Chitral.
The allegations raise questions about the allocation of mineral permits and the transparency of the provincial licensing process. However, the claims regarding ownership of the permits and the individuals involved require independent verification through official records.
Allegations of Billions in Weekly Payments
In his most serious allegation, the analyst claimed that 50 percent of the earnings from KP’s mineral resources, amounting to billions of rupees, was allegedly delivered every week to Aleema Khan’s residence in Lahore by then-Secretary of Mines and Minerals Israr Khan.
He further alleged that the remaining share was distributed among PTI members of the National Assembly and provincial assembly, along with officials and contractors considered close to the party.
Raza also claimed that a portion of the money was allegedly provided to the banned Taliban and other militant groups.
These are serious allegations involving political figures, public officials and security matters. The claims have not been independently verified, and documentary evidence or findings from an official investigation would be necessary to establish their validity.
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