A high-level meeting was convened to conduct a thorough review of the current status of mining leases across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The session, held on January 10, 2026, was chaired by the Secretary of Mines & Minerals, Nazar Hussain, and aimed to address procedural delays and ensure the effective implementation of mining regulations.
Key Discussions and Findings
The meeting served as a platform for detailed briefings from departmental officials. A primary focus was the examination of applications for mining leases that have been pending for extended periods. The Secretary Mines directed officials to expedite the processing of these applications in a transparent manner, strictly adhering to the established legal framework.
Specific directives were issued to resolve long-standing cases, including those related to the Nowshera marble lease and the Kohistan chromite lease. The Secretary emphasized that all decisions must be grounded in the relevant mining laws and policies to prevent any legal complications or irregularities.
Emphasis on Transparency and Legal Compliance
Nazar Hussain stressed the critical importance of maintaining absolute transparency throughout the lease approval and management process. He instructed the department to ensure that all activities, from application review to operational oversight, comply fully with provincial regulations.
The meeting also highlighted the need for proper documentation and systematic follow-up on all lease matters. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that delay development projects and revenue generation from the mineral sector. Officials were tasked with providing regular updates on the progress of these directives.
Implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mineral Sector
This proactive review signifies the government's commitment to revitalizing and properly regulating the mining industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By addressing bottlenecks in the lease process, the authorities aim to unlock the economic potential of the province's vast mineral resources, which include marble, chromite, and other valuable minerals.
The decisions taken are expected to streamline operations, attract responsible investment, and ensure that mineral extraction contributes more effectively to the local and national economy. The meeting concluded with a consensus on taking concrete steps to improve departmental efficiency and service delivery.
