ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has asserted that the mineral resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belong to the people of the province and will remain their property, rejecting any suggestion that the resources are tied to the emergency measures imposed in the region.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, the minister described attempts to link the emergency issue with mineral resources as condemnable, reiterating that the province’s minerals are the rightful property of its residents.
Emergency Aimed at Curbing Terrorism
Chaudhry said the primary objective of imposing a state of emergency in the province was to eliminate terrorism and improve the law and order situation in the 12 affected districts. He said intelligence-based operations were being accelerated to eradicate terrorism, and assured that there would be no displacement of residents from the affected districts.
He also stressed that the provincial government’s administrative authority would be established in these areas.
Transparent Probe Into Mineral Licences
The minister said transparent investigations would be conducted into the issuance of mineral licences, and urged political stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to restore peace rather than undermine counterterrorism initiatives.
Opposition Divided, Says Minister
Commenting on the political situation, Chaudhry said the opposition was divided over the issue of Mahmood Achakzai, claiming that most opposition members did not want him to become opposition leader. He called on Achakzai to appear before Parliament and clarify his position.
The minister also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, accusing it of corruption, and urged Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to clarify his stance on terrorism.
Dialogue Doors Remain Open
Despite the criticism, Chaudhry maintained that the doors for negotiations between the government and the opposition remained open. He said the government was ready for meaningful dialogue and would welcome serious efforts by the opposition to engage in negotiations.
