The stone crushing business is becoming a formidable mafia in Pakistan, with Stone Crushing Mafia gaining such strength and power that it is even undermining the orders of the Supreme Court.

On April 25, 2022, the Supreme Court last heard the cases against Stone Crushing Plants, where an order was issued to halt blasting within two months.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was also instructed to form a commission for the health of local populations and environmental protection, but no action has been taken yet.

Despite the strict order against crushing now in Lora valley, Dehri area is going to be taken for the stone crushing plant.

Despite citizens informing the court of deaths due to diseases like asthma and cancer caused by the dust from stone crushing, Justice Ejaz-ul-Hassan questioned the relevance of stone crushing plants if populations are increasing near quarries. Chief Justice Bandial also highlighted health concerns, yet the voices of local citizens were not given due importance.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan had imposed a ban on blasting mountains in Margalla and Abbottabad in 2016, due to deforestation and forced relocation of local populations. It’s regrettable that the stone crushing business is flourishing in 2024 without any hindrance.

Not only does it pose health risks, but it also endangers lives and properties. Imagine a scenario where a massive stone, dislodged due to stone crushing, heads towards your home, shattering not only your dwelling but also your peace of mind.

The stone crushing plant owners argue, “We have invested in this area, how can we shut down a business worth millions?” However, the local population insists that if this issue is not resolved with a positive decision, it not only endangers us but also our children’s future.

This issue can claim innocent lives. Money and influence often sway decisions in favor of stone crushing plant owners, even if it goes against justice.