KHYBER: The participants of a multi-party conference (MPC) rejected the proposed mines and minerals bill and termed it attack on provincial autonomy.

The conference was organised by district chapter of Awami National Party (ANP). A declaration, issued after the conference, which was held at Jamrud Press Club on Thursday, said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were actual owners of all natural resources and they would not allow any of the federal government entities or bureaucracy to snatch natural wealth from them.

It said that the MPC unanimously rejected the authority of federal government and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to control mines and minerals of KP along with resisting any interference in the affairs of the province.

The MPC also rejected creation of SIFC and termed it illegal and unconstitutional. It alleged that its very creation was tantamount to a robbery over the legitimate rights of the people related to mining, labourers and local communities.

The conference demanded of the KP government to reject the bill immediately and start legal and constitutional battle against it besides organising a popular mass campaign against it.

It threatened to launch a province-wide anti mines and minerals bill till the bill was abolished forever.

ARD: The Pasedkhel sub-tribe of Landi Kotal rejected the decision of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) regarding its boundary demarcation with another local tribe, terming it ‘totally unjust’ and devoid of facts.

Addressing a press conference at Landi Kotal Press Club on Thursday, Pasedkhel elders alleged that the five-member ADR had not taken into consideration their claim over some disputed lands in Landi Kotal and Torkham that were currently in the possession of Khugakhel sub-tribe.

They said that the century-old ownership documents, which they had submitted to ADR, were not taken into account and the jirga gave its verdict in favour of Khugakhel sub-tribe.

They announced to challenge the ADR decision in court. They alleged that requirements of justice were not fulfilled and their genuine contentions were ignored during the two and a half years of ADR proceedings.

Meanwhile, a Khugakhel elder Malak Masal Khan refuted the Pasedkhel tribe claim over the land and insisted that the ADR decision was made in light of the decades-old revenue record.

LOCKDOWN: The district administration imposed a 12-day smart lockdown in parts of Jamrud to contain the spread of mpox.

A statement said that the smart lockdown was imposed in Jamrud Pump House locality in anticipation of a possible spread of mpox there. It said that during the 12 days of smart lock down, entry of outsiders to the locality would be banned while locals would also be confined to their homes.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2025