Different factions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have sparked a debate over the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, which is reportedly linked to the approval of party founder Imran Khan.
According to The News (Saturday), several clauses of the bill have come under fire for allegedly compromising provincial autonomy, transparency, and investor confidence. However, the KP government maintains that the bill is in the broader interest of the province. It is currently under debate in the KP Assembly, where Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has provided detailed clarifications on all key aspects.
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A meeting of PTI’s political committee was held to review the bill comprehensively. The committee unanimously concluded that the bill does not transfer any provincial rights, mineral resources, or authority to the federal government, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), or any other federal institution.
The committee also decided that the bill would only be passed after thorough consultations and with formal approval from Imran Khan. They reiterated that no hasty decisions would be made and that the bill must align fully with Imran Khan’s agenda, manifesto, narrative, and public expectations. Consultations with other parliamentary parties will continue as part of this process.
Critics have particularly highlighted Section 6(i), which obligates the provincial licensing authority to act upon recommendations from the Mineral Investment Facilitation Authority (MIFA) and the federal mineral wing. This has raised alarms over potential federal overreach into matters reserved for the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
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Another contentious issue is the restructuring of MIFA. While the 2017 law establishes a seven-member body chaired by the provincial minerals minister, the new bill seeks to expand it to 14 members, including five provincial ministers. Section 19(3) further allows the chairperson to include any individual in the authority, a move critics warn could lead to political interference and reduced transparency.
The provincial government has countered these concerns, stating that MTC (Mineral Title Committee) is only required to consider—not necessarily implement—recommendations from federal entities. Moreover, the expanded MIFA structure is meant to provide greater provincial cabinet ownership, replacing the previously bureaucratic-heavy authority with a ministerial-bureaucratic balance. Members added at the chairperson’s discretion will have no voting rights and serve only in an advisory capacity.
The government further clarified that MIFA’s role remains strategic and advisory, without any regulatory authority, which rests solely with the licensing body. MIFA is tasked with recommending policy, determining royalties, and promoting investment.
A separate concern raised by party members pertains to Section 2(kk), which mandates that large-scale mining projects (over Rs.500 million) must be undertaken through joint ventures with a government-owned company. Industry stakeholders argue that this provision could hinder private sector growth and deter foreign investment, especially since partnership terms remain vague.
The KP government has stated that such leases will be managed through profit-sharing agreements with the newly formed KP Mining Company. On the classification of rare and strategic minerals, critics fear centralization, as the bill allows the federal wing via MIFA to declare these resources. In response, the government clarified that only the provincial government holds the authority to designate strategic minerals, with the federal role being purely consultative—a stance seen as more favorable than similar legislation in Balochistan.
Further concerns relate to Sections 19(f), (g), (h), (i), and (k), which grant an advisory role to the federal mineral wing on pricing, eligibility criteria, model agreements, and cadaster systems. Critics warn that even advisory powers could translate into a creeping shift of authority to the federal level. The KP government, however, asserts that these provisions were initially mandatory but have now been rephrased to reflect non-binding consultation.
Overall, the provincial administration insists the bill aims to modernize mining governance, attract investment, and ensure local communities benefit from resource development.
PTI Information Secretary Sh Waqas Akram stated that Chief Minister Gandapur provided a comprehensive briefing on the bill during the political committee meeting. He emphasized that the bill is under discussion in the KP Assembly and would only move forward after Imran Khan’s approval, in full alignment with party values and public expectations.
He added that Khan has prohibited party members from sharing details of meetings with the media. Any instructions from Khan must be submitted in writing to the central secretary information, who is solely authorized to issue official statements. Furthermore, Khan has barred party officials from making statements against each other, warning that violators will face disciplinary action, including show-cause notices and removal from their positions.