Maryam Nawaz announces gold exploration in Punjab rivers
She has also invited international investors to help explore the province’s mineral resources.
Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad, Maryam said surveys were underway to determine the quantity of gold available in Punjab’s rivers.
“Gold is flowing in the rivers of Punjab, particularly in Mianwali and Attock. I have a small sample of it, and it is pure gold,” she said while displaying a sample during her speech.
She encouraged international companies to invest in the province’s mining sector, saying joint efforts could turn natural resources into economic opportunities and support development.
Millions of tolas of gold identified
According to the Punjab government’s investment presentation, the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) has identified an estimated 2.8 million tolas of placer gold along a 32-kilometre stretch of the Indus River.
The reported Indus River gold deposits are located between Ghazi-Brotha and Attock Khurd Bridge. The geological survey started in 2021, and the GSP submitted its report on January 17, 2025.
The findings include Attock gold deposits, while further exploration is still required to confirm how much gold can be commercially recovered.
The deposits are currently classified as inferred resources, which means their quantity and economic value have not yet been fully established.
The government has prepared potential mining blocks for auction, but the process will depend on the approval of reserve prices.
Focus on Attock and Mianwali
Maryam Nawaz specifically highlighted Mianwali gold and the mineral potential of the province’s river areas.
The planned gold exploration in Punjab is expected to assess available resources before commercial mining activities can begin.
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The chief minister also said the Mines and Minerals Department’s revenue had increased from Rs10 billion to Rs40 billion in around two-and-a-half years.
“Forty billion rupees is only the beginning. If you put everything in order, you will realise that this is just the start,” she said.
Government seeks international investment
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is being held in Islamabad on November 12 and 13.
The event brings together international mining companies, investors and policymakers to discuss opportunities in gold, copper, lithium, iron ore and other minerals.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 is also intended to encourage partnerships and investment in the country’s mining sector.
Maryam further stressed the need to process minerals locally instead of exporting them in raw form. She gave the example of pink Himalayan salt, saying finished products could bring greater value to Pakistan.
