CHITRAL: In a positive development for the local economy, mining activities in Chitral are set to resume soon, as the District Intelligence Coordination Committee (DICC) has resolved issues regarding the issuance of no-objection certificates and mineral transportation.

Speaking to reporters at the press club after a meeting with the Lower Chitral deputy commissioner, Chitral Mine Owners Association president Ashfaq Ali Khan said that the DC had directed the police to streamline the verification process for labourers. “Instead of prolonged delays, police will now use a specialised proforma to gather labourer details and submit them directly to the DC office for prompt security clearance,” he said.

“To obtain a working NOC in settled areas, mine owners must now submit a streamlined set of documents to the DC office: a valid prospecting licence or lease work order, an affidavit from the licence or leaseholder, and the leaseholder’s family tree for all labourers,” he said and added: “In the affidavit, the licence or leaseholder will give an assurance that he and his labourers will not be involved in any anti-state activities.”

He said owners can resume operations immediately after submitting the documents.

He said that the DICC had also removed major bottlenecks hindering mineral transport, as under the new mechanism, transporters only need to submit a copy of the consignment proforma to the DC’s office and another copy to the Lowari Tunnel checkpoint.

Mr Khan thanked the DC, DICC members, and heads of relevant institutions for addressing the community’s grievances.

He said that resumption of mining activities would benefit thousands of families dependent on the mineral sector directly or indirectly.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026