KOHAT: Work has been launched on the extraction of gold reserves along the banks of the Indus River in Kohat.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the spiritual leader Pir Syed Safdar Gilani.
The mining operation is being carried out by Himalaya Company, which has been granted official lease rights by the provincial government.
The company has initiated work in the Resai area located along the riverbank.
Speaking at the ceremony, the patron of Himalaya Company, Colonel (Retd) Sadiq Sultan, said that the company had acquired mining rights for Blocks B and C through a competitive bid of Rs3.5 billion.
He hoped the project would create employment opportunities for the local population. However, he stressed that it was the government’s responsibility to put an end to illegal gold extraction from the Indus River, which continued to take place in various areas.
Pir Safdar Gilani highlighted the vast natural resources and mineral wealth Pakistan was blessed with. He urged both the government and the public to work together to harness these resources for national development and economic prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, the CEO of Himalaya Company, Wing Commander (Retd) Liaqat Sultan, said that there were huge gold reserves along the Indus River. He emphasized that legal and regulated mining activities could significantly contribute to the country’s economy and development.
