Mining licenses to foreigners: KP Governor takes notice

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has taken a serious notice of issuance of mining licenses and leases to foreigners in FATA on the basis of fraudulently made Pakistani nationality documents and directed the relevant officials to immediate cancel those granted lease agreements and licenses. He further directed to put on hold the other lease cases in the pipeline till the proper verification. The Governor also directed to take strict action against those who are involved in issuance of forged identity documents and licenses.
The Governor said the issuance of fake identity documents was a serious and sensitive matter which has also caused security problems. He said we will not tolerate such wrong acts and the rights and protection of tribesmen would be ensured at any cost. He also directed relevant officials to immediately contact Ministry of Interior and probe into the matter and to take action those involved in issuing fake identity documents.
While showing dismay, the Governor directed the Chief Executive FATA Development Authority (FDA) to investigate the matter of issuance of licenses and leases to foreigners and Afghani people on fake documents and asked him to submit the report within seven days. He also directed to immediate cancel those leases and licenses issued on forged identity documents and take action those involved in issuance of licenses on fake documents.
He also directed to investigate the issuance of mining license to Afghan national, Hamid Khan, whose real name is Toryali. He further directed to ensure strict implementation of the required criteria for the grant of lease. The Governor said that the reforms process has already been started for the welfare of tribesmen. He said this region endowed with the best natural resources and mining policy has already been made for the effective utilisation of natural resources in the FATA. He said the tribesmen are the real custodian of mineral resources and their rights would be ensured at any cost.
Governor said that they will not tolerate the issuance of leases and licenses on forged documents. He said foreigners and their facilitators those involved in issuance of fake documents would be dealt strictly and would be taken into task.