KOHAT: The local Chagha Party Kohat staged a protest in Shakardarra, Kohat, against deteriorating law and order caused by illegal gold mining and extortion by armed groups.
Protesters also accused the local police of providing backing to the armed groups. According to the protesters, illegal placer gold mining in Shakardarra has led to frequent clashes, killings, and the rise of armed groups involved in extortion. They demanded immediate government action to restore peace and stop the illegal activity. Background of the Issue
Shakardarra has been at the centre of illegal gold mining for months. Police have conducted multiple operations in the area and arrested 111 miners and seized excavators, trucks, generators, and other machinery worth millions of rupees. 104 FIRs were registered. On June 1, 2026, the Kohat Forest Division raided Shakardarra Protected Forest and burned tents set up for illegal mining, seizing generators and equipment.
On April 2, 2026, the district administration, police, and mines department carried out a joint operation and expelled owners and labourers from the area. Despite these operations, violence continues. On March 11, three young gold miners were shot dead in Rehmanabad over a dispute on mining sites.
Earlier, two checkpoint guards and one civilian were also killed in connection with gold mining. The Peshawar High Court has also intervened, ordering the local administration to immediately stop illegal mining in the leased area and its vicinity, citing the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury that pollute water, soil, and air. An EPA report confirmed significant environmental damage and health risks to humans, wildlife, and aquatic life.
A tribal jirga of Qaum Masood was held in Shakardarra, where participants expressed concerns over the government ban, saying hundreds of laborers and poor families have been affected. PTI District President Imran Masood demanded compensation for affected people and a clear, fair policy for gold mining. MPA Asif Khan Masood also raised the issue in the provincial assembly, highlighting losses to machinery during police operations.
During the protest, the Chagha Party demanded end to extortion by armed groups in Shakardarra and strict action against illegal mining and those behind it Investigation into allegations of police backing for armed groups.
The government has leased legal gold mining rights to a company, “Epex,” which says it will include local people in legal operations. Authorities say operations against illegal mining will continue.
Read also:Illegal gold mining thrives despite section 144 in Kohat, sparking governance concerns
