In what could be a game-changing discovery for Pakistan’s struggling economy, a government-commissioned geological survey has uncovered massive gold reserves worth ₹80,000 crore in Punjab’s Attock district, according to Dawn News. Experts believe that this hidden fortune could boost Pakistan’s financial standing—if the country can successfully extract it.
A Golden River? The Science Behind the Discovery
Geologists suggest that the Indus River carries gold deposits from India’s Himalayas, where erosion and natural weathering release gold particles into the water. Over time, these particles settle in Pakistan’s riverbeds, forming placer gold—small, rounded nuggets shaped by the powerful river currents. But while the gold exists beneath the surface, accessing it is far from easy.
The Challenges of Extraction
Unlike traditional gold mining, placer gold extraction requires advanced technology, skilled manpower, and significant investment—three things Pakistan has historically struggled with. Mining in riverbeds comes with logistical and environmental hurdles, and the cost of extraction could outweigh potential profits if not managed efficiently.
Furthermore, bureaucratic red tape and economic instability could delay or even derail mining efforts. Pakistan’s mining sector has faced inconsistent policies, lack of foreign investment, and infrastructure issues, all of which could complicate plans to tap into this newfound wealth.
Pakistan’s Next Move: Jackpot or Missed Opportunity?
The state-owned National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department are now tasked with developing a strategy to capitalize on this discovery. If successful, this project could strengthen Pakistan’s gold reserves, attract investors, and provide much-needed economic relief. However, the coming months will be critical. Will Pakistan unlock its golden opportunity, or will this discovery remain buried beneath layers of economic and political challenges? Only time will tell.
