Pakistan has uncovered a massive gold deposit worth an estimated Rs 80,000 crore along the Indus River in Punjab’s Attock district, a discovery that could provide a significant economic boost to the financially troubled nation.
The find, identified through a government-led survey, has set off plans to auction mining rights for nine placer gold blocks, raising hopes for a much-needed economic revival.
The discovery, reported by News24, has been attributed to gold particles carried downstream by the Indus River from the Himalayan region of India.
Over time, these particles accumulated to form the placer gold deposits now found in Attock.
The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), a state-run consultancy, along with the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department, has taken charge of the project, signing a contract to draft auction documents for mining rights.
Zargham Eshaq Khan, Managing Director of NESPAK, confirmed the development, stating that "the project is expected to contribute substantially to Pakistan’s economy."
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Dawn News also reported that the discovery could potentially reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported gold and strengthen its financial reserves, currently among the lowest in South Asia at just $5.43 billion.
However, the announcement of the discovery has also led to concerns over illegal mining activities. Reports suggest that miners and contractors have already rushed to areas such as Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in search of gold.
In response, the Punjab government has stepped in to curb unauthorised excavation and ensure all mining operations remain within legal and regulated frameworks.
While the discovery offers a lucrative opportunity for Pakistan’s struggling economy, experts caution that large-scale mining requires extensive infrastructure, investment, and stringent regulatory measures.
According to experts, if managed efficiently, the project could provide a substantial economic boost and reduce Pakistan’s dependency on foreign gold imports.
However, mismanagement or lack of oversight could lead to environmental damage and economic inefficiencies.
If successful, this discovery could mark a turning point in the country’s economic trajectory, offering hope amid ongoing financial struggles.
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