Gold Reserves Worth $636 Billion Discovered in Tarbela – A New Hope for Pakistan’s Economy

Pakistan has received some exciting news — a massive gold reserve worth $636 billion has been discovered in the soil of Tarbela Dam. According to Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), this could be one of the most significant natural discoveries in the country’s history. Gohar revealed that the findings were officially presented to the Chief of Army Staff, who reportedly responded positively. The discovery was confirmed after divers collected soil samples from inside the dam and sent them for laboratory testing. The results showed traces of gold, leading to the estimation that the total gold value could reach an astonishing $636 billion.

How the Tarbela Gold Reserves Were Found

The discovery began when Hanif Gohar’s team decided to study the soil beneath the Tarbela Dam — one of Pakistan’s largest water reservoirs. Professional divers were sent to collect samples from multiple locations inside the dam. These samples were analyzed in a specialized lab, where experts confirmed the presence of gold particles. By calculating the gold concentration per ton of soil, the team estimated that the entire site could hold gold worth hundreds of billions of dollars. If accurate, this gold reserve could potentially pay off Pakistan’s national debt, which currently stands at a similar figure.

What This Discovery Means for Pakistan

Finding gold reserves of this scale could completely change the economic outlook of Pakistan. Here’s how it might help:

Boost to the National Economy

Gold is one of the most valuable natural resources. Extracting and refining it could bring billions of dollars into the economy. This revenue could be used to reduce national debt, increase foreign reserves, and strengthen the Pakistani rupee.

Job Creation and Industrial Growth

Mining, refining, and export operations would require thousands of skilled workers, engineers, and technicians. This means massive job creation and new opportunities for the youth.

Rise in Foreign Investment

If the government allows international companies to invest, Pakistan could see foreign direct investment (FDI) from mining and technology firms looking to participate in the extraction process.

Strengthening Infrastructure

The development around Tarbela could also improve infrastructure, transportation, and energy supply in nearby regions, promoting regional growth.

Hanif Gohar’s Proposal to WAPDA and the Government

In his press briefing at the Karachi Press Club, Hanif Gohar stated that he has already offered WAPDA the opportunity to lead the gold extraction project. However, if WAPDA declines, his company, Air Karachi, is ready to invest and execute the project independently. Gohar mentioned that he has already held talks with dredging experts from Holland and partners in Amsterdam and Canada. His team is prepared with modern technology and equipment for safe and efficient gold extraction. “If the government gives us the green light, we are ready to execute this project,” Gohar said confidently.

Could Tarbela Become the Next Gold Hub?

Tarbela Dam is not just Pakistan’s pride for water storage and electricity — it might now become the center of gold mining. Experts believe that the soil around large dams often traps valuable minerals and sediments over decades. If proven viable, this discovery could encourage further geological surveys across Pakistan’s dams and reservoirs. Similar deposits might exist in Mangla, Warsak, or Diamer-Bhasha dams, unlocking a new era of mineral exploration in the country.

Environmental and Technical Considerations

While this discovery sounds promising, gold extraction from a dam environment is not a simple task. It requires careful planning to avoid disturbing the dam’s structure or contaminating the water supply. Experts stress that eco-friendly mining methods must be used. Sediment dredging and soil processing must be handled with modern technology to ensure the dam’s safety and sustainability. Furthermore, Pakistan would need to bring in geologists, mining engineers, and environmental experts to study the long-term effects before starting full-scale extraction.

Air Karachi’s Expanding Vision

In addition to the gold project, Hanif Gohar announced that his company, Air Karachi, plans to launch domestic airline operations across Pakistan starting March 23. The airline will initially operate three to five Airbus aircraft and later expand to international routes after one year. He also revealed plans to build Hyderabad’s first four-star hotel on a five-acre site, aiming to promote tourism and local business activity. According to Gohar, Pakistan’s construction sector must grow to help solve the national budget deficit.

Economic Experts React to the Gold Discovery

Economists and analysts have reacted with cautious optimism to the Tarbela discovery. While the numbers sound extraordinary, experts emphasize the need for independent verification through geological surveys. According to economic analyst Dr. Kamran Shah, “If even a portion of these gold reserves is confirmed, it could provide a major boost to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and investor confidence.” However, he also warned that overestimation or mismanagement could harm credibility, so transparent scientific validation is essential.

Lessons from Other Gold Discoveries

Several countries have made similar discoveries in the past — such as China, South Africa, and Australia — where gold mining transformed their economies. Pakistan could follow the same path, but only with strong governance, modern mining policies, and anti-corruption measures in place. For instance, Australia uses sustainable mining models to balance environment and economy. South Africa invests heavily in worker training and export regulation. China has integrated gold mining with technological innovation. Pakistan can learn from these examples to develop its own sustainable gold extraction framework.

What’s Next for Tarbela Gold?

If the government approves the proposal, the next steps would include detailed geological surveys to confirm gold content, feasibility studies for extraction methods, public-private partnerships to fund and manage the project, and environmental assessments to ensure safety. Once all approvals are in place, mining operations could begin within 12 to 18 months.

A Ray of Hope for Pakistan’s Future

At a time when Pakistan faces challenges like rising inflation, budget deficits, and debt pressure, the discovery of gold worth $636 billion is being seen as a symbol of hope. If managed wisely, this could help stabilize the economy, reduce debt, and restore investor trust. More importantly, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan’s natural resource development.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of gold reserves in Tarbela could become one of Pakistan’s most important economic opportunities in decades. However, success will depend on scientific validation, government transparency, and efficient execution. With collaboration between WAPDA, Air Karachi, and international experts, Pakistan could turn this discovery into a game-changer for the nation’s financial future.

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