BARA: Elders of the Bar Qambarkhel Tarkhokas area of Lower Tirah on Tuesday voiced reservations over the lease of mines and urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to probe the matter.
Speaking at a press conference here, the elders, including Dr Qismat Khan Afridi, Darya Khan Afridi, Kaptaan Khan Afridi, Naseer Shah and others, accused Bara Assistant Commissioner Talha Rafeeq, Tehsildar Shabab Khan, and clerk Ajab Khan of allegedly supporting illegal leaseholders in collaboration with influential contractors Aurangzeb Khan and Jahanzeb Khan.
They alleged that the local tribe was neither taken into confidence nor was a transparent mechanism adopted in matters related to mineral resources.
The speakers maintained that the mineral wealth of Tirah belonged to the entire tribe and that any decisions on these resources should be made in accordance with local traditions, legal requirements, and public consultation.
The elders alleged that certain influential individuals were attempting to take control of the region’s natural resources through secret agreements made behind closed doors, causing growing unrest among the local population.
They urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to order an impartial inquiry into the matter so that any evidence of irregularities or misuse of authority could be investigated and action taken against those found culpable.
The elders also appealed to Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi to take notice of the issue and adopt practical measures to address the concerns of the local population.
The speakers stressed that ensuring peace and stability in the area, maintaining public confidence, and guaranteeing the transparent utilisation of national resources were the government’s responsibility.
They emphasized that all matters should be resolved strictly in accordance with the law and on merit to avoid mistrust and conflict.
