Kundi alleges Kohat’s illegal gold mining funds terrorism, announces province-wide crackdown

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has alleged that illegal gold mining in Kohat is linked to terrorist financing, claiming that 80 per cent of the proceeds are transferred to Afghanistan.

Addressing a press conference, Kundi said illegal mining had created link between criminal networks and militants, with TTP allegedly receiving financial support from the activity.

He claimed that around Rs4.2 billion was generated monthly through illegal gold extraction, while approximately 90 kg gold had been extracted in a single month. 

He also alleged that thousands of excavators, dumpers and heavy loaders were being used in the operations.

The governor accused several political figures, including former provincial law minister Aftab Alam, Sheryar Afridi, Khurram Zeeshan and Amjad Afridi, of involvement in illegal mining. He claimed that 12 politicians were linked to the activity. These allegations have not been independently established.

Kundi announced that the provincial government had decided to suspend all gold mining leases and directed contractors to leave the province within a week. A new mining policy would be introduced within three weeks, he added.