Punjab could be sitting on a valuable mineral resource, with gold deposits potentially stretching across all five major rivers. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has revealed evidence of gold in riverbeds, particularly around Mianwali and Attock. The provincial government is now exploring opportunities to attract international investors and develop these mineral resources.
Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) in Islamabad on Thursday, Maryam presented a sample of gold recovered from river sand. She said the government had started surveys to establish the quantity of gold available across the province.
According to the chief minister, Punjab’s rivers could contain significant deposits of placer gold. These potential reserves are particularly important in areas located in northern and southern Punjab.
Placer gold forms naturally when erosion breaks gold away from rocks. Over time, flowing water carries these particles and deposits them in river sand and gravel.
However, gold is not the only potentially valuable resource found in these areas. Maryam also highlighted the presence of rare earth elements and other precious minerals in river sand and gravel. These resources could offer considerable economic opportunities for Punjab.
Punjab Invites Foreign Investors to Explore Gold Reserves
The provincial government wants international investors to participate in exploring and developing Punjab’s mineral resources. Maryam Nawaz invited foreign companies to partner with the province and help unlock its mining potential.
She also stressed the importance of transparency and investment in the mining sector. According to the chief minister, the government wants to create better opportunities for mineral exploration and responsible resource development.
Meanwhile, Maryam highlighted an increase in revenue collected by Punjab’s Mines and Minerals Department. She said annual revenue had risen from Rs. 10 billion when she assumed office to Rs. 40 billion over the following two and a half years.
The provincial government aims to build on this progress by attracting investment and expanding mineral exploration. Consequently, the potential gold deposits could become an important part of Punjab’s broader economic development strategy.
Pakistan Seeks International Investment in Mineral Sector
The announcement comes as Pakistan hosts the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad. The forum aims to attract international investors and promote the country’s mineral resources.
Government officials, global mining companies, investors, policymakers and industry experts are participating in the event. They are discussing investment opportunities and ways to develop Pakistan’s mining industry.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir are among the prominent speakers.
Furthermore, the government is organizing the forum in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The initiative aims to strengthen international partnerships and encourage investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
The discussions cover critical minerals, responsible mining practices and investment policies. They also focus on creating opportunities for international companies interested in developing Pakistan’s natural resources.
With surveys underway across Punjab’s rivers, the actual scale of the reported gold deposits remains to be established. Nevertheless, the discovery could attract considerable attention from international mining investors if further exploration confirms its potential.
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