By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
The recent revelation by Hanif Gohar, Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Karachi, that Tarbela Dam’s silt contains gold worth an estimated $636 billion, has stirred both fascination and debate. If this claim holds scientific merit, it could represent one of the greatest untapped natural wealth resources in Pakistan’s history, a potential game-changer for the nation’s struggling economy.
Tarbela Dam, one of the world’s largest earth-filled reservoirs, plays a critical role in irrigation, hydropower generation, and flood control. Over decades, sediment from upstream rivers has accumulated at its base, reducing water storage capacity but possibly enriching the silt with precious minerals washed down from the northern mountain ranges. Geological experts have long suspected the presence of gold and other minerals in river sediments originating from Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the magnitude of wealth suggested by Mr. Gohar, $636 billion, demands rigorous verification through scientific and economic feasibility studies.
If confirmed, this discovery could transform Pakistan’s financial landscape. It would not only reduce dependence on foreign loans and IMF bailouts but also open doors for new industries, job creation, and export potential. Yet, such an opportunity comes with significant challenges. Extracting gold from silt is an extremely delicate process, requiring advanced technology, substantial investment, and strict environmental safeguards. Any mismanagement or politically motivated exploitation could lead to environmental degradation or corruption, eroding public trust before any benefits reach the nation.
The government must therefore proceed with transparency and international collaboration. It should form a joint commission involving the Geological Survey of Pakistan, WAPDA, and credible international mining experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment. Only after verification should a framework be developed for sustainable extraction, ensuring that the proceeds directly benefit the national exchequer rather than private interests.
Moreover, this revelation highlights a broader truth: Pakistan’s natural resource wealth remains underexplored and underutilized. From the mineral-rich hills of Balochistan to the untapped rare earth deposits in the north, the country possesses immense potential that, if managed wisely, could lay the foundation for true economic independence.
Tarbela’s “golden silt,” whether symbolic or real, should serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that Pakistan’s prosperity lies not in foreign aid but in harnessing its own hidden wealth with integrity, innovation, and foresight.
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