Balochistan authorities have intensified efforts against illegal mining, sealing 47 unauthorized chromite mines in Pishin district through a joint operation. The crackdown was announced by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on January 23, 2026, underscoring the provincial government’s firm stance on protecting mineral resources.
Crackdown on Illegal Operations
The operation, conducted by the district administration in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, targeted illegal chromite extraction sites in Pishin. Chief Minister Bugti described these activities as detrimental, stating they damage both national and provincial treasuries while posing serious challenges to law enforcement.
He emphasized that mineral resources belong to the people of Balochistan collectively and that no illegal exploitation would be tolerated under any circumstances.
Broader Policy and Revenue Concerns
Bugti highlighted that illegal mining has severely limited provincial earnings from the mines and minerals sector, with annual revenue falling below Rs 10 billion despite Balochistan’s rich deposits. This deprives the province of rightful income and local communities of their legitimate benefits.
The Chief Minister announced plans for a comprehensive new policy to eradicate illegal mining entirely, reform the sector for transparency, meet legal standards, attract investment, boost revenue significantly, and ensure direct advantages for local populations. He vowed strict action against all illegal elements involved.
The move reflects ongoing provincial efforts to enforce rule of law in the resource-rich region and curb smuggling and unregulated extraction. (Word count: 298)
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has declared zero tolerance for illegal mining, revealing that 47 chromite mines operating unlawfully in Pishin district have been closed following a coordinated enforcement drive. The announcement came on January 23, 2026, as part of broader measures to safeguard provincial assets.
Enforcement Action and Official Stance
A joint team comprising the district administration and law enforcement agencies carried out the sealing of these 47 illegal sites. Bugti stressed that such activities not only harm the treasury but also undermine law and order.
He reiterated: “The mineral resources of Balochistan are the collective property of the people of the province and any illegal activity on these resources would not be tolerated under any circumstances.” The Chief Minister described the operation as practical proof of the government’s commitment to protecting resources and upholding the rule of law.
Addressing Revenue Losses and Future Reforms
The province currently earns less than Rs 10 billion annually from its mines and minerals sector due to widespread illegal practices, smuggling, and weak oversight—far below its potential. Bugti pointed out that this results in lost revenue and denied rights for locals.
To address this, the government is set to roll out an effective, transparent policy aimed at eliminating illegal mining, improving sector governance, promoting legal investment, increasing income, and ensuring benefits reach the local population directly. Strict enforcement against violators will continue under this framework.