PESHAWAR: The local authorities have enforced the extension of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s prohibition on illegal gold mining and other activities in Swabi, Nowshera, and some more districts via Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Moreover, the gold mining ban includes Kohat and the adjacent areas by the Indus and Kabul Rivers, where illegal gold mining has been reported, as per the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
The department has said that the order by the district magistrate is in force immediately and will continue for a month. The defaulters will be punished under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The provincial government indicated that the decision had been taken on the basis of the environment and the possible destruction of the ecosystem, poisoning the water resources, and the illegal mining led to police problems in the area.
ALSO READ: KP anti-corruption arrests senior doctor over dual employment
The government has committed that it would be unyielding in its fight against environmental degradation and in maintaining order in the affected regions.
KP government approves 96 development projects worth Rs10 billion
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved 96 development projects worth more than 10 billion for various districts of the province.
The approval came during the sixth meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), chaired by Additional Chief Secretary for the Planning and Development Department, Ikramullah Khan. The meeting was attended by PDWP members and officers from relevant departments.
According to officials, the projects have been approved on the special instructions of the Chief Minister as part of the Good Governance Roadmap. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring uniform development across the province. Feasibility studies for several development schemes were also approved, and regular work will begin once the feasibility process is completed.
A major portion of the approved projects focuses on enhancing road connectivity and promoting economic activity in the province. Improved access to remote areas is expected to open new avenues for trade and industry.
