Mafia opposing reforms in Mines, Minerals Act, claims Saif

PESHAWAR: Advisor to Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif on Wednesday said that a mafia was actively working against the proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act in an attempt to sabotage the Chief Minister’s reform agenda.

In an official statement, Barrister Saif said that the chief minister was determined to liberate the Mines and Minerals sector from the clutches of this mafia. However, he said, the mafia was resorting to propaganda against the proposed amendments to fulfill its nefarious objectives. “We do not recognize the illegitimate federal government - how, then, can we surrender provincial authority to it? There is no question of handing over provincial powers to those who have stolen the public mandate,” he added.

Barrister Saif reaffirmed that the chief minister had a clear stance; “the government will not bow to any mafia in any sector.”He emphasised that the purpose of the proposed amendments was to strengthen and make the Mines and Minerals sector more profitable. “These reforms are part of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s broader reform agenda. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is confidently implementing reforms across all sectors. The proposed amendments are not a secret,” he added. “The reforms will be presented in the provincial assembly, and the opinion of the opposition will also be sought,” he added.