Pakistan is experiencing a modern-day gold rush following the discovery of gold reserves valued at approximately $2.87 billion near Attock in the Indus River. The announcement, made by Punjab Mines and Minerals Minister Ibrahim Hassan Murad, has triggered a surge in mining activity, particularly in the Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Following the revelation, mining operations have intensified, with laborers being offered daily wages ranging from $3.58 to $5.37 to search for the precious metal. The increased excavation efforts have raised environmental concerns, as experts warn of the ecological damage caused by uncontrolled mining near the Indus River.
In another major development, Pakistan hosted a delegation of nine World Bank Executive Directors—the first such visit in two decades—as it seeks long-term financial support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the World Bank’s role in Pakistan’s economic development, emphasizing its critical contributions over the past seven decades.
He praised the bank for its assistance during the devastating 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people and resulted in the deaths of more than 937 individuals, including 343 children.
Under the newly announced Country Partnership Framework, the World Bank is set to invest $40 billion in Pakistan, an initiative Shehbaz described as a turning point for the nation’s development.
As Pakistan navigates the excitement surrounding its newfound gold reserves and strengthens its economic ties with international institutions, the country faces a critical challenge: ensuring that resource exploitation aligns with sustainable development.