KP government orders immediate closure of mines

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered the immediate closure of all mines where explosive materials are used, as part of a broader effort to strengthen security and tighten oversight of potentially hazardous substances across the province.

According to official directives issued by the Provincial Home Department in Peshawar, all district administrations have been instructed to take immediate action and ensure strict implementation of the government’s orders. The directive emphasizes the need for swift compliance and close coordination among local authorities to enforce the new measures without delay.

The Home Department has also directed all districts to prepare and submit comprehensive lists of mines operating within their jurisdictions. These lists will distinguish between mines that use explosives and those that do not. Officials have been instructed to classify all mines using explosive materials under a Red List, indicating that they fall under stricter regulatory scrutiny and are subject to immediate closure or further action.

On the other hand, mines extracting soft rock without the use of explosive materials will be placed on a Green List. These mines are considered comparatively safer from a security perspective and may continue operations in accordance with existing regulations, provided they comply with all relevant legal requirements.

The department has instructed district administrations to submit both the Green List and the Red List as soon as possible. The reports are expected to provide a clear picture of mining activities across the province and help authorities monitor compliance with the latest directives.

In addition to regulating mining operations, the Home Department has ordered strict monitoring of the purchase, sale, transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials. Authorities have also been instructed to closely monitor the movement and use of urea fertilizer, which can potentially be misused in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices if diverted from legitimate agricultural purposes.

As part of these measures, all districts have been asked to compile and submit complete district-wise lists of licensed urea dealers. The purpose of collecting this information is to strengthen oversight of the distribution chain and prevent the illegal sale or diversion of urea for unlawful activities.

The Home Department has further instructed all relevant officials to submit the required reports and lists without delay. Once these reports are received, the provincial government will review the findings and determine any additional actions that may be necessary. Relevant authorities are expected to take further administrative, regulatory, or legal measures based on the information collected from across the province.

The latest directives reflect the KP government’s commitment to enhancing public safety, improving regulatory oversight of mining activities, and preventing the misuse of explosive materials. By introducing a district-wise classification system and increasing surveillance over explosives and urea distribution, the provincial administration aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts and reduce potential security risks associated with unauthorized use of hazardous substances. The implementation of these measures is expected to improve coordination among government departments and ensure greater accountability in the mining and chemical supply sectors across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.