PESHAWAR – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s internal committee rejected the Mines and Minerals Act-2025 in a strongly worded 39-page report, calling it unconstitutional, centralist, and designed to benefit elites at the cost of provincial autonomy and public interest.
The committee called for an immediate six-month suspension of the bill’s enforcement.
PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar formed the committee, which included provincial general secretary Muhammad Ali Asghar and Members of the National Assembly Sher Ali Arbab and Dr Amjad. The three members submitted the report directly to Akbar after completing a comprehensive review.
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Committee Rejects Federal Mineral Control
The committee criticised the Mines and Minerals Act for promoting federal interference in provincial matters. It argued that the bill violates the Constitution and undermines the province’s right to manage its own mineral resources.
The report stated that the bill enables secret deals that favour powerful political and economic figures. It warned that the legislation shifts control of strategic minerals and foreign investment decisions to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which the committee described as a federal tool that overrides provincial authority.
The committee rejected the creation of the Mines Investment Facilitation Authority, saying it erodes the power of the provincial assembly. It condemned the delegation of power to unelected individuals, calling the move undemocratic and dangerous.
The report singled out Clause 64(1) for giving private contracts legal dominance over public law. The committee stated that this clause eliminates transparency, accountability, and oversight in mineral deals.
Committee Demands Force’s Immediate Abolition
The committee accused the bill’s authors of laying the groundwork for federal control over the province’s mineral wealth. It said the legislation sidelines small-scale miners while offering advantages to influential players.
The report denounced the proposed Mines and Minerals Force as an authoritarian institution. According to the committee, the force would operate without judicial oversight, with unchecked powers to conduct raids and arrests. It feared misuse of the force to intimidate journalists, activists, and local communities.
The committee also flagged the absence of mechanisms to track royalty payments, monitor production, or ensure fair revenue distribution. It criticised the government’s failure to establish a fund for smaller districts and local miners.
In its recommendations, the committee demanded the creation of a provincial reform commission to oversee mineral policy. It insisted on mandatory assembly approval for all private mining agreements. It also urged the government to dismantle the Mines and Minerals Force immediately and transfer its responsibilities to civilian institutions.
The committee further called for a five-year sunset clause in all mining contracts to allow regular reviews. It also proposed a public portal displaying mining leases, royalty data, and environmental impact reports. To ensure fairness, the committee recommended banning politicians and their families from entering mining agreements.
PTI Information Secretary Adeel Iqbal confirmed the internal nature of the report. He said the party will present the report to assembly members and Imran Khan, the party’s founding chairman, who will make the final decision regarding the Mines and Minerals Act.
