PTI factions, rival groups turn minerals bill into controversy

PESHAWAR: Internal factions and rival groups within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have turned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Minerals Bill 2025 into a controversial issue.

Increasing infighting within the party has transformed what was supposed to be reform-oriented legislation into a battle of personal interests. A conflict has erupted on social media between PTI leaders and workers. A trend titled KPMineralBill2025 was launched, in which the provincial government and Ali Amin Gandapur were targeted with criticism.

Instead of raising principled or legal objections to the bill, PTI leaders and YouTubers affiliated with the party resorted to political and personal attacks. Some PTI YouTubers called the bill against the party’s ideology, accusing it of “handing over control to unelected powers.”

Certain disgruntled leaders claimed the bill sidelined local representatives.

According to sources, overseas PTI social media accounts and YouTubers caused an uproar over the bill and linked it with the establishment and the United States.

When the bill was presented in the provincial assembly on Friday, other government members including Shakeel Khan and Fazal Elahi strongly opposed the bill, which also drew criticism from the opposition. On Monday, the Minerals Secretary will give a detailed briefing on the bill to the members of the provincial assembly.

Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr Saif, told this correspondent that a mafia is actively opposing the proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur dismissed these objections as being based on ill-intent. He stated that the bill aims to utilise the province’s mineral resources better and promote economic growth. He added that those criticising the bill are either ignorant or intentionally trying to harm both the party and the government for political reasons. He made it clear that the government is open to consultations with all the stakeholders, but will not back down from the reform agenda.

The salient features of the Minerals Bill 2025 are;

Harmonization of mineral laws and regulations across all provinces, especially to encourage large-scale investment. Creating a stable and trustworthy environment for both local and foreign investors to make the mining sector internationally competitive. Strengthening the economy through value chain development, creating employment opportunities, and enabling overall growth. Establishment of a Mines Investment Facilitation Authority (MIFA) to support investors. This body will include investors, miners, existing mine owners, relevant provincial ministers and secretaries, environmental experts, and representatives from owners’ associations.

The bill says that a more effective and dynamic licensing authority will be set up to ensure timely and transparent issuance of mineral rights. In the merged districts and sub-divisions, mining rights will be regulated under the existing framework. Preference will be given to local communities, and a legal exemption will apply until December 31, 2030, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The authority will be bound to ensure timely decision-making based on principles of transparency, and the system will be digitised.

It further said the duration of prospecting licenses will be limited to three years to ensure timely issuance. An independent Mines Appeal Court will be established, headed by a retired High Court judge, to ensure fair and impartial justice. The use of technology will be promoted, and the department will be required to collect geological data. A special mines force will be established to prevent illegal mining and take action against offenders, including mandatory seizures and punishments. Mineral rights already issued under previous laws will be protected under the new law and pending applications will also be addressed under the new legal framework.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said that he never called anyone a conspirator. He urged the party leaders to stop accusing one another, adding that action will be taken against anyone who continues to make controversial statements. He said unity within the party is essential during the current situation.

A party leader who met Imran Khan on Tuesday told The News that Khan was informed about the recent statements made by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, but Khan said, “I never discussed anything with Ali Amin Gandapur regarding this. I never called Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, or Shahram Tarakai conspirators, nor did I issue any instructions to deny them tickets during the general elections.” According to sources, Imran Khan said party leaders must stop making accusations, and if anyone issues a controversial statement in the future, action will be taken.