Punjab Rivers May Hold Major Gold Reserves, Maryam Nawaz Reveals
Evidence of Significant Gold Reserves Found in Punjab’s Rivers, Says Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Government Conducting Surveys to Determine Gold Deposits in Riverbeds; Chief Minister Highlights Province’s Untapped Mineral Potential
ISLAMABAD, November 12, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has revealed that evidence of substantial deposits of naturally occurring pure gold has been discovered in the province’s rivers, with surveys currently underway to determine the actual quantity of the precious metal.
Addressing a session on the opening day of the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, the chief minister highlighted Punjab’s vast mineral potential and stressed the need to transform the province’s natural resources into economic growth and shared prosperity.
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is known as the land of five rivers and possesses significant natural resources that could play an important role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy if explored and utilized effectively.
She specifically pointed to evidence of gold deposits in Punjab’s river systems, explaining that geological surveys are being conducted to assess the quantity and commercial potential of the available reserves.
The chief minister also highlighted the province’s deposits of coal, granite, pink salt and rock salt, describing Punjab as a region with considerable opportunities for mineral exploration and investment.
She further noted that river sand and gravel contain not only gold but also other valuable minerals and metals, making the province’s riverbeds an important area for further geological investigation.
According to Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government is actively exploring commercial partnerships to develop the province’s mineral sector and attract investment. She added that affordable land is being offered to facilitate businesses and encourage investors to establish operations in Punjab.
The chief minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to turn Punjab’s natural wealth into a shared economic asset, creating opportunities for investment, employment and long-term prosperity.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 brings together stakeholders to explore the country’s mineral potential and promote domestic and international investment in the mining sector.
