ANP Rejects Mines and Minerals Act 2025, Announces Protest Movement
Awami National Party President Aimal Wali Khan has outrightly rejected the proposed “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act 2025” and announced a province-wide protest movement against it.
Speaking at a press conference following a special committee meeting of the ANP, Aimal Wali Khan termed the act as a legal cover for the military’s already unlawful control over the province’s mineral resources. He accused the government of using the act to formally hand over resources to military institutions via the SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council) and Federal Minerals Wing.
Aimal Wali warned that ANP’s struggle is no longer limited to the act alone but is now a broader fight for provincial rights and the full implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He declared the act a “broad daylight robbery” of the people’s rights and warned of a fierce resistance if it is not withdrawn.
The ANP plans to launch a widespread awareness campaign in April and May across universities, colleges, and religious institutions. District-level all-parties conferences will also be held. A phased protest movement will follow—village-level protests in June, tehsil-level in July, and district headquarters protests in August. A massive demonstration is scheduled in Peshawar for September, and if demands remain unmet, ANP may march to Islamabad in October.
Khan reiterated that ANP would not compromise on the rights of the Pakhtun people, stating, “Either give us our rights or give us freedom.” He criticized the state for repeated suppression of ANP through election rigging, suicide attacks, and exclusion from power, linking these to the party’s uncompromising stance on resource ownership.
Calling for unity beyond political affiliations, Aimal urged all Pakhtuns to rise against the controversial legislation, stating the issue was one of survival for the nation.
