Pakistan: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cancelled the mining lease for Fescto Cement and issued a fine against it of US$4m for illegally operating in the Margalla Hills National Park near Islamabad. The CDA has also requested that the local explosives inspector ask the cement producer to remove explosives dumped in the park area and it has asked police to take action.
A report by the CDA says that the cement producer’s 30 year lease was extended for another 18 years by the director of the Industries and Mineral Development department of the Islamabad Capital Territory in June 2012. However, a forestry director raised objections to the extension.