Pukhtunkhwa National Awami Party Rejects Mines and Minerals Act 2025 as Anti-People and Unconstitutional

**Quetta:** The Pukhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) has strongly criticized the Balochistan government and the Mines and Minerals Department, terming the Mines and Minerals Act 2025 anti-people and against the spirit of the Constitution.

In a press release issued by the party’s provincial secretariat, PkNAP said that an advertisement published in newspapers on January 31, 2026, by the Provincial Director General Mines and Minerals—warning mine holders of final show-cause notices under Sections 98(3) and 99 of the Mines and Minerals Act 2025—was a serious mockery of the Pashtun and Baloch people of the province as well as political and democratic parties.

The party stated that the controversial Mines and Minerals Act 2025 was passed by the provincial assembly on March 12, 2025, sparking strong protests from all major political parties in the province. The law was also challenged in the Balochistan High Court, and an All Parties Conference unanimously demanded its immediate withdrawal.

PkNAP recalled that the chief minister and the provincial government had assured the provincial assembly that the implementation of the Act had been completely halted. However, contrary to that assurance, mine owners were warned through recent advertisements to initiate mining operations under Sections 98 and 99 of the Act or face cancellation of their licenses.

According to the party, this move clearly proves that the chief minister acted against assurances given on the assembly floor and attempted to mislead the public. The statement further said that the Mines and Minerals Act 2025 was enacted in violation of the Constitution, which grants provinces full authority over their mineral resources. Through this law, the provincial assembly has allegedly transferred its constitutional powers over mineral resources to the federal government.

PkNAP warned that this step not only undermines provincial autonomy but also endangers the future of natural resources worth trillions of dollars for coming generations. The party categorically rejected what it called the government’s “double standards” on the issue.

The statement concluded by saying that since the matter is sub judice, continued implementation of the Act amounts to a blatant violation of the rule of law and could fall under contempt of court. The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Mines and Minerals Act 2025 and a complete halt to its implementation.