Khawaja Asif denies awarding Pakistan mineral contracts to US

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that no mineral mining contracts or mines have been awarded to the United States, noting that discussions regarding the country’s mineral resources are still in the initial stages. He acknowledged interest from several nations, including China, Canada, and Australia, stating that Pakistan will partner with countries deemed reliable and secure to attract the foreign investment necessary for extraction.

Regarding mining administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asif reported that the number of mining licenses issued increased significantly during the PTI administration. He noted that licenses rose from 482 (issued through 2010) to 4,917 at the current time. He clarified that the military organization FWO has only received one license, issued in 2015 in North Waziristan.

Asif also addressed the security situation and the implementation of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He criticized the previous provincial government for failing to act against known terrorist hideouts, which he claimed contributed to an increase in violence. He described the move to governor’s rule as a last resort after other options were exhausted, aiming to restore law and order and ensure the provincial government establishes its writ in affected areas.