Illegal Gold Extraction in Attock: Case Registered Against Offenders

Islamabad:The authorities have tightened the noose around individuals involved in the illegal extraction of gold from the Indus River in Attock, registering a case against the culprits.

For several years, locals in Attock have raised concerns over the illegal extraction of gold from the banks of the Indus River, but law enforcement agencies failed to take action. Despite repeated appeals from the community, the gold extraction mafia continued their operations unchecked, until the matter reached higher authorities through various channels.

It is estimated that gold worth several billion rupees has been illegally extracted from the 30-kilometer stretch along the river in Attock district, Punjab. During the caretaker government, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Noor Alam Khan also called for a ban on gold extraction from the area, but the issue persisted.

Upon a visit to Attock by the Provincial Minister for Minerals, the gravity of the situation led to the imposition of Section 144 in the area. However, the illegal activities continued unabated, prompting the Assistant Director of Mines in Attock, Farhan Ahmed, to set up a covert team and conduct a raid based on a confidential report.

Upon the arrival of the mining team, contractors, machine operators, and two facilitators fled the scene. Around 27 individuals escaped by boat and crossed into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A case has been registered against the offenders at the request of Assistant Director Farhan Ahmed. According to the report, seven contractors involved in illegal gold mining are from Nowshera.

Last month, officials including the Minister of Minerals, Secretary, and Director General of Mines visited the area, but after their departure, the illegal gold mining activities resumed. The FIR has noted the registration numbers of 15 mining machines, which were operated by residents of Bag Nilaab, Niaz Khan, and Wajahat Khan. However, the exact value and amount of the extracted gold have yet to be determined.

The Department of Minerals has requested the authorities to arrest the suspects and seize the machines. However, as of January 4th, no arrests have been made.