Independent Report
Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has declared that the province’s mineral wealth belongs to its people and that any illegal activity in the mining sector will be met with zero tolerance.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister reported that a joint operation by the district administration and law enforcement in Pishin resulted in the sealing of 47 unauthorized chromite mines. He warned that illegal mining not only inflicts significant losses on both national and provincial exchequers but also undermines the rule of law.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the operation reflects the government’s strong determination to safeguard the province’s mineral resources and uphold legal authority. He highlighted that Balochistan currently earns less than Rs 10 billion annually from its mines and minerals sector—a concerning figure for a resource-rich region—due largely to widespread illegal mining.
The Chief Minister noted that such unlawful practices have deprived the province of rightful revenue and denied citizens their fair share of natural resources. To address this, he announced the introduction of a comprehensive policy designed to eradicate illegal mining and reform the minerals sector.
According to the Chief Minister, the policy will promote transparency, enforce legal compliance, attract investment, and boost provincial revenues significantly. While stringent action will be taken against illegal operators, the framework will also ensure that local communities directly benefit from the province’s mineral wealth.
Reiterating his commitment, Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the people of Balochistan have the first claim to the province’s natural resources, and the government will work to ensure their protection, sustainable use, and allocation for public welfare at every level.
