Abbottabad, June 2: An investigation by the National Accountability Bureau, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has revealed that alleged illegal phosphate mining in Kakul, Abbottabad, caused losses ranging between Rs. 740 million and Rs. 848 million to the national exchequer and resulted in extensive damage to protected forest resources.
According to NAB sources, the case emerged after local residents of Kakul filed a formal complaint against Zar Gul Khan. The complainants accused him of illegally extracting phosphate from forest land and selling the mineral to various fertilizer manufacturing plants over several years.
Following a preliminary inquiry, NAB said it found sufficient evidence to support the allegations and subsequently initiated a full-scale investigation into the matter.
According to investigators, phosphate worth hundreds of millions of rupees was illegally extracted from forest areas between 2010 and 2018. NAB alleges that the activity was carried out with the alleged connivance of certain officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Department.
The bureau further stated that the mining operations caused significant damage to Guzara forests, which are community-managed forest areas meant to protect local ecosystems and livelihoods. Officials said the environmental degradation during the period was severe and irreversible in some sections.
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According to the investigation report, the accused was later granted a formal mining licence by the Mines and Minerals Department in 2018. However, NAB maintains that the licence was issued in violation of applicable forest laws and mining regulations, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and procedural compliance.
NAB estimates that a total of 175,258 metric tons of phosphate was extracted between 2010 and June 2025. The mineral’s market value during this period is assessed to be between Rs. 740 million and Rs. 848 million.
The bureau said the alleged illegal mining resulted in major financial losses to the government due to unpaid royalties, evaded taxes, and other statutory dues, causing a substantial setback to the national exchequer.
In a further development, NAB has filed a reference under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, in the Accountability Court. According to officials, trial proceedings are expected to begin shortly.
The case has once again highlighted concerns over illegal mining, environmental degradation, and regulatory failures in mineral-rich regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where local communities have repeatedly raised alarm over unchecked resource extraction.
NAB officials said further action will be taken as the trial proceeds and additional individuals found responsible may also be brought to justice.
