PESHAWAR: Authorities have decided to launch an operation against those involved in illegal placer gold mining from rivers in Nowshera district.

The decision was made at meeting chaired by the Peshawar division commissioner Riaz Khan Meshud, which was attended by Nowshera deputy commissioner and district police officer, officials from environment department, lease holders and other stakeholders, according to a statement issued here on Friday.

Staff from the district administration, police, mines and minerals and environment departments would take part in the joint operation.

The statement said that the meeting also decided to set up three temporary checkposts to stop the illegal placer gold mining and transportation of minerals.

In addition to this, a committee, headed by the Nowshera deputy commissioner, was also set up to facilitate the leaseholders.

Commissioner Meshud told the meeting that government guidelines regarding stopping of the illegal placer gold mining and curbing the transportation of the minerals would be implemented at all costs. Besides, he also directed the Nowshera district administration to issue arms licences to ensure better security for leaseholders.

Mr Meshud also directed the leaseholders to install barbed wire fences around the leased area and improve their security.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2025