Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Pledges Support to Revitalize KP Mining Sector
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced a comprehensive vision to prioritize, revitalize, and expand the province’s rich mining sector, emphasizing that sustainable resource extraction remains central to driving industrial growth, strengthening the local economy, and generating viable employment opportunities for youth across the region.
Addressing key administrative officials and stakeholders regarding economic development priorities in Peshawar, Governor Kundi underscored the rich geological wealth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which harbors vast untapped reserves of high-value marble, gemstones, metallic ores, and industrial minerals. He stressed that the government is fully committed to eliminating administrative bottlenecks, modernizing regulatory frameworks, and upgrading transport infrastructure within primary mining belts. Governor Kundi noted that attracting targeted foreign direct investment requires transparent policies, absolute ease of doing business, and robust incentives for prospective global partners.
For decades, the mining landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced significant operational hurdles, including outdated manual extraction techniques, limited capital investment, and regulatory ambiguities that hindered sustained commercial interest. Economic experts point out that systematic modern reforms, alongside targeted public-private partnerships, could significantly elevate the provincial tax base, provide long-term economic security to remote mountain communities, and position Pakistan as an emerging participant in global mineral trade networks.
Looking ahead, Governor Kundi reaffirmed that federal and provincial agencies are coordinating closely to streamline project licensing procedures, enforce strict safety standards for mine laborers, and implement eco-friendly extraction guidelines. He assured that local communities will remain central beneficiaries of natural resource development through dedicated royalty distribution and social welfare initiatives. High-level roundtables with international investors and business representatives are expected to be convened in the coming weeks to finalize an actionable policy roadmap.