PESHAWAR: Elders of the Bostikhel tribe from Dara Adamkhel on Friday accused local authorities and influential individuals of depriving residents of their rightful share in coal mining revenues and demanded an independent audit of the income generated from the area’s coal resources.

Addressing a press conference at Peshawar Press Club, tribal elders including Malik Zar Mohammad, Malik Syed Asghar, Malik Asghar Khan, Malik Nazarullah, Malik Shah Nawaz and Malik Zar Badshah alleged that they had been seeking justice for the last three years but received no relief despite repeatedly approaching the offices of the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner in Kohat.

They claimed that illegal mining, extraction of coal without registration and excessive use of explosives had continued in Bostikhel areas for years, while no revenue had been deposited into the national exchequer.

The elders alleged that a former commander, identified as Shamsher, who they claimed had previously been associated with a militant group, had occupied coal resources with the support of the administration and caused losses worth billions of rupees to the tribe under various schemes.

They further alleged that around Rs1.2 billion had been generated under a so-called “one lakh scheme”, but local residents were denied their due share.

According to the speakers, when residents suspended coal loading in protest, provincial law minister Aftab Alam allegedly used the administration to forcibly restore loading operations, aggravating tension in the area.

The elders also claimed that attacks were carried out on their houses, but no action had so far been taken against those involved.

They accused the district administration of making unjust decisions without examining the complete record and alleged that although residents were supposed to receive 60 per cent of coal income under an agreed formula, only a small amount had actually been distributed while millions of rupees were allegedly misappropriated.

The tribal elders said they had already approached the courts for justice and would continue their struggle until their demands were met. They also announced a protest demonstration outside the chief minister house.

They demanded a complete audit of coal revenues, transparent action against those involved, direct distribution of public funds to residents and immediate cancellation of disputed leases and decisions.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026