Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Rumors swirl as reports claim gold deposits worth 600 billion Pakistani rupees lie hidden in the Indus River. The region is abuzz with speculation about economic salvation for Pakistan's crisis-stricken economy.
Representative pic
The gold is believed to originate from the Himalayan mountains, where erosion over millions of years has washed particles into the Indus River. The discovery aligns with a natural process called placer gold deposition.
Representative pic
Stretching over 32 kilometers in Pakistan’s Attock district, these reserves reportedly include 32.6 metric tons of gold, as per Nav Bharat Times and Daily Parliament Times.
With news of the discovery, locals have begun unauthorized mining operations. During winter, when water levels are low, gold particles are easier to access, sparking a frenzy.
Representative pic
To counter illegal activities, Pakistan has imposed Section 144 in affected regions, curbing unauthorized mining. Despite measures, enforcement challenges persist.
Representative pic
Reports from TOI and Daily Parliament Times highlight that officials in the Mines and Minerals Department are stalling exploration. Instead, they are prioritizing sand and stone mining contracts.
Representative pic
If extracted responsibly, the gold could inject significant wealth into Pakistan's struggling economy. An estimated value of 600 billion rupees could help address mounting debt and economic instability.
Representative pic
Beyond fiscal relief, the gold reserves could create employment opportunities in regions like Attock, stimulating local economies and reducing unemployment.
Experts warn that only responsible mining practices and robust regulations can prevent resource exploitation. Without these measures, the discovery may do more harm than good.
Representative pic