'Massive Rs800bn gold deposit discovered in Attock'

Former Punjab minister for Mines and Minerals Ibrahim Hassan Murad has claimed that 2.8 million tolas of gold valued at Rs800 billion have been discovered in Attock.

The massive gold deposit — confirmed through extensive research — is spread across a 32-kilometer stretch in Attock.

The “groundbreaking” discovery, according to the ex-provinicial cabinet member, has been validated by the Geological Survey of Pakistan.

"This revelation, validated by the Geological Survey of Pakistan, highlights the immense potential of Punjab's natural resources," Murad wrote in a post on X, detailing about the discovery.

The former minister revealed that the Geological Survey of Pakistan conducted thorough sampling from 127 sites.

"This milestone marks a significant step towards unlocking Pakistan's mineral wealth, setting the stage for economic revitalisation and new opportunities for future generations," he said.

The incumbent provincial Minister of Mines and Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani confirmed the discovery of 2.8 million tola gold.

In a conversation with Daily Jang, the minister said that the government was working under the study conducted by the Geological Survey of Pakistan on the gold deposits and work continued last year.

He said that Nespak and other firms will be hired to further confirm the value of the reserves, which according to him is worth Rs600-700 billion in the world market.

The government had imposed Section 144 to prevent people from stealing gold from the mines, he added.

Gorchani further said that the gold discovered in Attock would be auctioned after a month and would be advertised internationally.

“The rules have been framed regarding the auction of the reserves and an auction committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Attock deputy commissioner,” he added.

The provincial minister said that these rules would be approved by the Punjab cabinet in a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.