The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has uncovered a major case of illegal phosphate mining in Kakul, Abbottabad. This activity caused huge losses of Rs. 740 to 848 million to the national treasury and badly damaged forest land.
The case started after residents complained about an individual named Zar Gul Khan. He is accused of extracting phosphate from government forest areas and selling it to fertilizer plants. NAB says the illegal mining took place between 2010 and June 2025. A total of 175,258 metric tons of phosphate was taken out during this period.
NAB investigation found that some officials from the Mines Department may have helped in this illegal activity. A controversial mining licence was also issued in 2018, which violated the rules. The bureau has now filed a formal reference under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
This illegal mining not only caused financial loss but also destroyed valuable forest resources in the area. Phosphate from Abbottabad is important for making fertilizers. Such cases hurt the environment and the country’s economy.
NAB is taking strict action against those involved. This case highlights the need for better checks on mining activities to protect national resources and forests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
