PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has filed a complaint under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 against Zar Gul Khan in connection with an investigation into alleged illegal phosphate mining and related financial activities.
According to NAB, the case originated from a complaint submitted by local residents alleging that Zar Gul Khan, a resident of Abbottabad, was involved in the unauthorized extraction and sale of phosphate to fertilizer plants in violation of relevant forestry regulations.
The bureau said an inquiry was initiated and later upgraded to a formal investigation after preliminary findings supported the allegations.
According to the investigation, Zar Gul Khan allegedly extracted phosphate in collaboration with officials from the Mines and Minerals Department and other relevant authorities between 2010 and 2018. NAB also reported alleged damage to guzara forests resulting from the mining activities.
Alleged violations identified
NAB stated that the accused was granted a mining licence in 2018 by the Mines and Minerals Department. However, investigators allege that the licence was issued in violation of Section 44 of the Forest Ordinance and Rules 34, 35, and 96 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mining Rules, 2017.
The bureau further claimed that illegal extraction activities continued after the issuance of the licence.
According to NAB’s findings, approximately 175,258 metric tons of phosphate were allegedly extracted between 2010 and June 2025. The bureau estimates the value of the extracted mineral at between Rs740 million and Rs848 million.
Case moves to court
NAB said it has filed a complaint under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 in the Accountability Court. The complaint was submitted on May 25, and legal proceedings are expected to begin following court action on the matter.
The bureau stated that further proceedings will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and judicial processes
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