Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26) in Islamabad, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced significant evidence of placer gold deposits across Punjab's rivers, particularly in Mianwali and Attock districts.

She invited international investors to partner in exploring and developing these resources, adding that surveys are ongoing to quantify the exact volume of deposits. The CM also noted that the gold deposits are accompanied by rare earth elements and precious minerals of substantial value.

Highlighting sector reforms, she stated that provincial Mines and Minerals Department revenues grew from Rs10 billion to Rs40 billion within two and a half years.

Investor Takeaway: While the government is making a strong push to attract foreign direct investment into the mining sector, the commercial viability and listing impact remain subject to ongoing surveys and formal exploration contracts.