Mines and Minerals Act a Systematic Attempt to Seize Pashtun Resources, Says Nasrullah Khan Zerey

PISHIN: Nasrullah Khan Zerey, provincial president of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party, has termed the proposed Mines and Minerals Act 2025 a “systematic attempt” to take control of the natural resources of Pashtun regions and deprive local people of their ownership rights.

Speaking at a meeting of the party’s district committee in Pishin, Zerey announced that a large public gathering would be held at Barshore Bazaar on the fourth day of Eid al-Adha.

He said the rally would be addressed by party chairman and Member of the National Assembly Khushal Khan Kakar along with other central and provincial leaders of the party.

According to Zerey, the gathering would focus on the current political, national, and economic situation, particularly the controversial Mines and Minerals Act 2025, which he said threatens the rights of local communities over natural resources.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the rally, organizational activities, and public outreach campaigns, while participants expressed determination to make the gathering a strong public voice for democratic rights, protection of resources, and national interests.

Party leaders alleged that the proposed law was aimed at handing over mineral resources, land, water, and other natural assets of Pashtun areas to external forces and wealthy interest groups.

They vowed that the party would launch a widespread awareness campaign during the public meeting to educate people about the political, economic, and national implications of the legislation.

Nasrullah Khan Zerey said the people of Pashtun regions are already facing severe inflation, unemployment, insecurity, exploitation of resources, and political uncertainty, while ruling authorities are focusing on policies aimed at controlling national resources instead of resolving public problems.

He reiterated that the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party would continue its struggle for democratic rights, national identity, and local ownership of resources at every level.

The meeting was attended by party leaders including Khushal Kakar, Muhammad Isa Roshan, Professor Asad Tareen, Syed Ehsan Agha, Mahmood Riaz, and Sardar Faisal Khan Tareen, along with district committee members and party workers.

At the conclusion of the meeting, party workers were directed to intensify public outreach efforts and organizational activities to ensure large participation in the Barshore Bazaar rally.