Major crackdown on illegal Gold mining mafia in Nowshera, Kohat; 939 cases registered, Over 1,000 arrested

Police and district administrations have intensified a large-scale crackdown against illegal gold mining networks operating in Nowshera

NOWSHERA / KOHAT:  Police and district administrations have intensified a large-scale crackdown against illegal gold mining networks operating in Nowshera and Kohat, clearing several areas of unauthorised mining activities and taking action against individuals allegedly involved in an organised criminal network.

According to official details, an influential illegal mining mafia had reportedly been extracting gold without authorisation for an extended period in Jabi Nizam Pur, located on the outskirts of Nowshera, and the Gambat area of Kohat.

Authorities said the illegal operations involved an organised network allegedly backed by politically influential elements, allowing those involved to continue their activities despite regulatory restrictions.

Following intelligence collection, investigations and identification of individuals involved in the illegal operations, law enforcement agencies and district administrations launched extensive operations to dismantle the network and remove the machinery being used for unauthorised gold extraction.

Nowshera Operation

In Nowshera’s Jabi Nizam Pur area, authorities registered 939 cases against individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities and arrested more than 1,000 suspects during the crackdown.

Officials also reported significant seizures during 2026 as part of the enforcement campaign against the illegal mining network.

The confiscated items included approximately 890,924 litres of oil, 519 units of cottonseed oil, 15 oil tankers, 76 excavators, 762 other vehicles and 15 boats.

Authorities also seized 866 additional miscellaneous items believed to be connected with the illegal mining operations.

The scale of the seizures highlights the extensive machinery, transportation facilities and fuel resources allegedly being used to support unauthorised gold extraction in the district.

Kohat Operation: Large-Scale Clearance in Gambat

A separate major operation was conducted in Gambat, Kohat, on November 6, 2026, targeting illegal placer gold mining activities.

Police personnel and district administration officials jointly participated in the operation, during which a total of 15,540 machinery units were removed from the area to prevent further unauthorised mining.

According to the reported breakdown, the machinery removed included 8,350 tractor trolleys, 3,660 excavators, 1,730 tractor trolleys equipped with dynamos, 1,600 dumpers and 200 heavy loaders.

The extensive removal operation was aimed at dismantling the infrastructure supporting illegal gold extraction and restricting the ability of those involved to resume mining activities.

Officials said the coordinated crackdown was part of broader efforts to enforce the law, protect public resources and prevent the exploitation of natural reserves through unauthorised activities.

They emphasised that illegal mining not only causes financial losses to the government but also threatens natural resources and undermines the regulatory framework governing mineral extraction.

Authorities further maintained that no individual or organised group would be permitted to continue unlawful activities by relying on political connections, influence or local support.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to taking action against those involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political affiliations or influence.

Officials also indicated that enforcement operations would continue until the illegal gold mining networks were completely dismantled and unauthorised extraction activities were brought to an end.

The crackdown in Nowshera and Kohat represents a significant enforcement effort against organised illegal mining, with authorities focusing on arrests, machinery removal and the seizure of resources used in unauthorised operations.