An investigation by the National Accountability Bureau, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has revealed that alleged illegal phosphate mining in Kakul, Abbottabad, caused losses of between Rs. 740 million and Rs. 848 million to the national exchequer and damaged valuable forest resources.
According to NAB sources, the case surfaced after residents of Kakul lodged a complaint against Zar Gul Khan, accusing him of illegally extracting phosphate from forest land and selling it to various fertilizer manufacturing plants.
Following a preliminary inquiry, NAB found merit in the allegations and decided to launch a formal investigation into the matter.
The bureau alleges that phosphate worth millions of rupees was extracted from forest areas between 2010 and 2018 with the alleged connivance of certain officials of the Mines Department. NAB said the illegal mining activity also caused extensive damage to the Guzara forests during the period.
According to the investigation report, the accused was later granted a mining licence by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Department in 2018. However, investigators claim that the licence was issued in violation of relevant forest laws and mining regulations.
NAB further alleged that a total of 175,258 metric tons of phosphate was extracted between 2010 and June 2025, with an estimated value ranging from Rs. 740 million to Rs. 848 million.
The bureau maintains that the alleged illegal mining caused major losses to the government in the form of unpaid royalties, taxes, and other dues, resulting in a significant financial setback to the national exchequer.
NAB has filed a reference under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 in the Accountability Court, and trial proceedings are expected to begin shortly.
📢 For the latest Business news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
Glad the corrupt daku PTI is out from Punjab atleast.
