28 lakh tola (about 32,620 kg) of placer gold has been discovered in the Indus River near Attock. The value of this reserve in the global market is estimated to be between 600 and 700 billion rupees.
The Pakistan Geological Survey (GSP) initially identified these gold deposits, which have since been confirmed by NASPAQ and other firms. Following these confirmations, the Government of Punjab constituted a high-level committee to oversee the project. The government is planning to auction these gold reserves at the international level, the approval of the rules and regulations of which will be taken from the Punjab Cabinet.
To curb illegal mining, the government has imposed Section 144 in Attock, under which illegal mining has been completely banned. In addition, an eight-member committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Minister for Mines Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, which will help eradicate illegal placer gold mining by further strengthening the linkages between administrative departments and law enforcement agencies.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to the effective and responsible use of natural resources, so that the benefits derived from them can play an important role in the development of the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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