ABBOTTABAD: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) Circuit Bench in Abbottabad has taken a strict action against government officials for failing to comply with its directives in a case pertaining to illegal mine blasting activities.

A bench comprising Justice Sadiq Ali and Justice Mudassir Ameer, while hearing the matter, expressed strong displeasure over the non-submission of para-wise comments by the departments concerned. The court ordered withholding of the salaries of the Senior Inspector of Mines and the District Police Officer (DPO) Abbottabad until compliance is ensured.

The court also directed the Senior Inspector of Mines to appear in person before the bench during the next hearing, citing repeated failure on his part to submit the required replies despite continued reports of unauthorised blasting in the region.

The proceedings stem from a previously passed judgment by Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel in which the court modified an earlier order, explicitly barring the leaseholder from using explosive materials for mine blasting.

The court had also ordered both the Mines Department and the local police to strictly enforce the directive.

Despite these orders, blasting activities reportedly continued unabated, prompting legal action from the petitioners.

The court’s latest move underscores a firm stance against non-compliance by government officials and highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring lawful mining practices and environmental protection in the region.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025