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APC Rejects KPK Mines and Minerals Bill, Calls it Attack on Provincial Autonomy
The APC in Peshawar rejects the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, calling it an attack on provincial rights. ANP leaders demand withdrawal of the controversial law.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-23
APC Rejects KPK Mines and Minerals Bill, Calls it Attack on Provincial Autonomy

The All Parties Conference (APC) held in Peshawar has unanimously rejected the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, condemning it as a direct assault on provincial autonomy and constitutional rights. The conference participants, including leaders from various political parties, voiced their strong opposition to the bill, claiming it contradicts the principles of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which grants greater powers to provinces.

ANP central leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain led the charge, accusing the federal government of executing a calculated conspiracy to seize control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources. He argued that the bill was not only detrimental to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also posed a threat to the rights of other smaller provinces. He called for the immediate withdrawal of a similar law imposed in Balochistan, which, according to him, undermines provincial sovereignty.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain particularly rejected the powers granted to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and its federal wing, describing them as illegal and unconstitutional. He expressed concern over the influence of the army in the SIFC’s operations, particularly with the army chief’s involvement in meetings, raising alarms about the erosion of civilian governance. Hussain further accused the federal government of involving American consultants in drafting the bill, a move he deemed to be a dangerous trend for the country’s political autonomy.

He also criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s support for the bill, questioning why, if the province holds the constitutional authority, it would hand over control of its mineral resources to the central government. Hussain accused the Chief Minister of diverting attention from the real issue with “technical talk” and stated that the CM would ultimately be held responsible for his stance on the bill.

In a pointed remark, Mian Iftikhar Hussain mocked the government's handling of provincial resources, saying, “Chilghoza to balai balai chale gezain,” referencing the unfair distribution of resources.

ANP Member of the National Assembly Arbab Sher Ali also weighed in, dismissing claims that the bill was imposed by the army. He asserted that the bill was the creation of the provincial government and that the APC represented a democratic platform for opposition. He emphasized that the decision-making process was not influenced by the military but was a matter of democratic principle.

The APC concluded with a firm call for the immediate withdrawal of the controversial bill and a demand for greater respect for provincial autonomy in accordance with the Constitution. The opposition parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain united in their resistance to any move that undermines the rights of the province and its people.

 
Tagged:

ANP

ProvincialAutonomy

KhyberPakhtunkhwa

APC

KPKMinesBill
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