Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, alongside the provincial adviser for mines and minerals, chief secretary and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Kundi directed leaseholders and contractors to remove their heavy machinery from the affected areas within seven days.
He warned that there would be zero tolerance for illegal mining and said strict action would be taken against anyone violating the restrictions.
The announcement comes days after 10 police personnel were martyred and 18 militants were killed during an operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat district.
Police had said the operation was conducted by the KP police and local civil administration against those involved in illegal gold mining in Darabo Kach, near Kohat.
During Saturday's press conference, Kundi said a major operation had been launched against illegal mining in the area. He alleged that militants associated with Fitna al-Khawarij attacked police personnel as they were returning from the operation.
The governor claimed that the militants had links with individuals involved in illegal mining and that mining operators were paying them extortion money in exchange for protection.
"How long will we continue to make sacrifices? This will no longer be allowed," he said, pledging action against those responsible for the attack.
He also announced the formation of a task force named after martyred DSP Haidar Zaman, saying its establishment had been approved.
Illegal mining in Kohat
Providing details of the alleged illegal mining activities, Kundi said Kohat had two mineral blocks, identified as C and D.
He claimed that 8,350 tractors and tractor-trolleys, 1,730 heavy dumpers and labourers were being used in illegal mining operations.
According to the governor, one mining block had been leased for Rs4.92 billion, while around 80 per cent of the money generated was going to Afghanistan.
He alleged that the money was being used to finance terrorism and activities against Pakistan.
Kundi further claimed that approximately 90 kilogrammes of gold were extracted from the area every month, generating gold worth Rs4.2 billion and causing billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer.
He said a 10-year mining lease involving an estimated Rs4.2 billion worth of gold per month had been granted for just Rs4.92 billion.
The governor also alleged that 12 political figures had provided political backing in connection with the Kohat incident.
Those named included former provincial minister Aftab Alam, Shehryar Afridi, Khurram Zeeshan, Sajid Iqbal and Naveed, the brother of a former chief minister, among others.
Kundi clarified that no first information reports (FIRs) had been registered against the individuals he named.
He announced that a judicial commission would investigate illegal gold mining and the Kohat incident, adding that action would be taken against anyone found involved.
The governor said he was working with his team following the imposition of governor's rule in the province, adding that maintaining peace was the government's top priority.
"We will not allow anyone to plunder our resources," he said, emphasising the need to protect the province's mineral wealth.
Referring to the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 held in Islamabad earlier this week, Kundi said delegations from across the world had participated in discussions on the mining and minerals sector.
He said the provincial government intended to invite international investors to explore opportunities in the sector, adding that development, prosperity and employment opportunities for young people remained among its priorities.
