Peshawar — The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed a 60-day ban on illegal mining along the Indus and Kabul rivers in multiple districts, citing environmental damage and security concerns. The restriction has been enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and applies to areas including Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, and adjoining regions.

According to a notification issued by the provincial Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs, the decision followed reports from relevant departments and deliberations during the 37th meeting of the provincial cabinet. The order also prohibits the extraction of placer gold from riverbanks during the ban period.

Officials said the move aims to curb environmental degradation, including water pollution and damage to natural landscapes, as well as to address public health and safety risks linked to unregulated excavation.

Authorities warned that ongoing illegal mining activities were harming local ecosystems and could contribute to law and order challenges. Government reports indicated concerns about disputes among local groups, unauthorized fuel smuggling for excavation operations, and the involvement of organized networks with substantial financial resources.

Under the directive, the Mines and Minerals Department has been instructed to coordinate enforcement actions, with district administrations and police directed to provide full support. Law enforcement agencies have been authorized to confiscate machinery, vehicles, and equipment used in unlawful extraction activities.

Officials said violations of the order would be subject to legal action under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Oil and gas discoveries reported in K-P and Sindh

Separately, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange about oil and gas reserves discovered in Kohat district.

In a letter to the exchange, PPL stated that drilling of the Baragzai X-1 well in the Nasapa Block began on June 30, 2024, reaching a depth of 5,170 metres. The well has yielded 225 barrels of crude oil per day and 1.01 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas, with a reported flow rate of 190 pounds per square inch gauge.

The discovery is expected to contribute to domestic hydrocarbon supply.

In a separate development, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced a gas and condensate discovery at its Dars West-3 well in Tando Allah Yar district, Sindh.

OGDCL Announces Oil and Gas Discoveries in KP and Sindh

The company said the well was drilled to a depth of 2,100 metres and successfully tested in the C-Sands of the Lower Goru Formation.