PESHAWAR: Around 505 cases were lodged and 516 people arrested during a crackdown to curb illegal gold mining in Nowshera, a police report said on Saturday.
The report submitted by District Police Officer, Nowshera, Ahmad Shah to Regional Police Officer, Mardan, Rabnawaz Khan stated that police took several measures along with district administration and other relevant departments to curb illegal mining activities across the district.
It said that the crackdown was launched in July last year after complaints about illegal mining from the River Indus surfaced. “Since July 2025, 505 FIRs have been registered and 516 people arrested in connection with illegal mining. During operations, equipment and materials including over 376,000 litres of fuel, excavators, vehicles, loaders, generators, and other machinery used in illegal mining were seized,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Akhtar Naseer told The News
As per the letter to the RPO Mardan, Nowshera Police have been providing round-the-clock support at five key checkposts established at Jabbai Chowk, Fuji Cement Factory Chowk, Jarjaro, Old Attock Bridge (JCP), and near PP Malangi.
One of these checkposts is jointly operated by police and the Mineral Development Department to monitor and block the supply of excavators and fuel used in illegal mining.
It added that a platoon of frontier Reserve Police had been sanctioned to assist in operations against illegal mining. However, it has yet to be deployed at the proposed Permanent Monitoring Team (PMT) site at Gilgit Sichuan Compound, Jabbai, reportedly due to reluctance from mining staff. This matter has already been taken up with higher authorities through official correspondence.
As per the letter to the RPO, police have maintained strict surveillance across the district, particularly in the jurisdictions of Nizampur, Akora, Cantt, and Badrashi police stations to monitor the movement of machinery and excavators. All illegal fuel stations in the area have been shut down after registration of cases against those involved in illegal activities. The police bosses were informed that the alleged ring leader, Attaullah of Jabbai, was previously detained under MPO and later released. It said he was currently a proclaimed offender in multiple cases registered at Nizampur and Akora police stations. His brother Sanaullah was jailed for a mining-related activities.
An official said strict departmental action had been taken against officials found involved in illegal mining. A police constable was booked, while the SHO of Akora Police Station was suspended and departmental action launched against him.
The official added five checkposts were fully equipped with wireless communication systems for real-time coordination to strengthen enforcement.
Special night patrolling was intensified to prevent illegal activities under the cover of darkness. Close coordination was being maintained at the DPO level with neighbouring districts to ensure a joint and synchronized response against illegal mining across jurisdictional boundaries.
