Kohat Illegal Gold Mining Scandal: 12 Political Figures Named by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi

PESHAWAR (Staff Reporter) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has made a major revelation regarding alleged illegal gold mining in Kohat, claiming that 12 political figures belonging to different political parties were involved in providing alleged political backing to the illegal mining network.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on November 14, 2026, the governor named individuals reportedly associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

Names of 12 Allegedly Involved Political Figures

According to the details published by Dawn, the individuals named in connection with the alleged illegal mining activities include:

1. Aftab Alam – PTI, former Provincial Law Minister
2. Shehryar Afridi – PTI, Member of the National Assembly
3. Khurram Zeeshan – PTI, Senator
4. Sajid Iqbal – Former Gambat Town Nazim
5. Ehsan – Former Lachi Town Nazim
6. Amjad Afridi – PPP, former Member of the National Assembly
7. Seth Saifullah – JUI-F, former District Nazim
8. Naseem Afridi
9. Advocate Hammad Azam – Former JUI-F Candidate
10. Naveed – Brother of Sohail Afridi
11. Azhar Bukhari
12. Nazir Afridi

The allegations have not been independently established through a judicial process.

Billions of Rupees in Alleged Illegal Gold Mining

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi claimed that illegal gold extraction in Kohat was generating billions of rupees every month. He further alleged that approximately 80 percent of the proceeds were being transferred to Afghanistan and used to finance activities against Pakistan.

According to the governor, thousands of labourers and heavy machinery, including excavators and dumpers, were being used in the mining operations.

He also alleged that links existed between illegal mining networks and militant elements, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

 Suspension of All Gold Mining Leases in KP

The governor announced the suspension of all gold mining activities and leases across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He directed mining contractors to remove their heavy machinery from the relevant areas within one week, warning that machinery could be seized if the deadline was not met.

Kundi also announced the establishment of a special task force in the name of martyred DSP Haider Zaman to address illegal mining and improve the monitoring of mineral resources.

He further stated that a new mining policy would be introduced and a judicial commission would investigate the alleged illegal mining network, including those accused of providing political protection.

Call for Transparent Investigation

The governor stressed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or influence, would be above the law.

He said that anyone found involved in illegal activities would face legal action following proper investigations.

The individuals named in the allegations have the right to respond, and their alleged involvement has not been established by a court of law.