An investigation conducted by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has uncovered alleged illegal phosphate mining activities in Abbottabad’s Kakul area that reportedly caused losses of up to Rs. 848 million to the national exchequer and resulted in significant damage to forest resources.
According to NAB officials, the case emerged after local residents filed a complaint against Zar Gul Khan, accusing him of unlawfully extracting phosphate from forest land and supplying it to fertilizer manufacturing companies.
Following an initial inquiry, NAB found sufficient grounds to proceed with a formal investigation into the allegations.
Illegal Mining Allegedly Continued for Years
Investigators claim that large-scale phosphate extraction took place between 2010 and 2018 from forest areas in Kakul. NAB alleges that the mining operations were carried out with the support or negligence of certain officials associated with the Mines Department.
The bureau further stated that the mining activities caused extensive damage to the region’s Guzara forests, raising concerns about both environmental and financial losses.
Questions Raised Over Mining Licence
According to the investigation report, the accused was granted a mining licence by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Department in 2018.
However, NAB alleges that the licence was issued in violation of existing mining regulations and forest protection laws. The bureau is examining whether legal procedures were properly followed before the permit was approved.
Over 175,000 Metric Tons of Phosphate Extracted
Investigators estimate that 175,258 metric tons of phosphate were extracted from the area between 2010 and June 2025.
Based on current assessments, the value of the extracted mineral is estimated to range between Rs. 740 million and Rs. 848 million.
Financial Losses and Environmental Impact
NAB maintains that the alleged illegal mining operation deprived the government of substantial revenue through unpaid royalties, taxes, and other mandatory dues.
In addition to the financial impact, authorities say the extraction activities caused significant damage to forest land and natural resources in the area.
Reference Filed in Accountability Court
The anti-corruption watchdog has filed a reference under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, before the Accountability Court.
Legal proceedings in the case are expected to begin in the coming weeks, where the allegations and evidence presented by NAB will be examined by the court.
