The Sindh government on Thursday decided to establish a special task force to prevent illegal mining in the province.
Officials said the decision was taken during a meeting of the Mines and Minerals Development Department chaired by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, minister for education and mines & minerals development. The meeting reviewed the identification of illegal mining activities across the province and discussed effective measures for their prevention.
Secretary Mines and Minerals Raja Shah Zaman Khuhro, Director General Mines and Minerals Mahesh Lal Dodani, and other relevant officials attended the meeting. The participants were briefed on ongoing actions against illegal mining and the unlawful transportation of minerals. Officials also presented a briefing regarding illegal mining activities in Karachi’s District Malir, Jamshoro, Nagarparkar, and Thatta, along with measures being taken to curb them.
Minister Shah directed that strict and immediate measures be taken to eliminate illegal mining. He stated that no one would be allowed to engage in illegal mining and that legal action would be taken against those found violating the law. It was decided in the meeting that a special task force would be formed to eliminate illegal mining by taking effective steps in different districts. The minister also directed that all available resources be utilized to ensure the effectiveness of the task force. Shah instructed officials of the Mines and Minerals Department to work in coordination with the police and other relevant institutions to ensure indiscriminate action.
