In a development that has sparked nationwide interest and strategic discussions, gold reserves valued at approximately $636 billion have reportedly been identified in Tarbela. The information was shared by Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi and former senior vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), during a media interaction at the Karachi Press Club on Monday. The magnitude of these reserves, if confirmed and successfully extracted, could transform Pakistan’s economic trajectory and provide significant relief in managing external debt obligations.
According to Gohar, the scale of the reserves is substantial enough to potentially eliminate the country’s foreign debt. He highlighted that the matter has already been formally communicated to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), as well as to the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). These institutions are expected to play an important role in shaping policy direction and supporting future decisions related to the extraction and economic utilization of these reserves.
To move the initiative forward, Gohar confirmed that formal discussions have been initiated with drilling companies from Australia and Canada. These companies are expected to provide technical support and global expertise in exploration and extraction activities. Gohar emphasized that the next phase of operational engagement will begin immediately once official instructions are received from the Prime Minister. He noted that the extraction process would commence swiftly after such directives, which positions this discovery as a pivotal opportunity for Pakistan’s national economy.
During his talk, Gohar also addressed matters related to Air Karachi, the aviation venture he heads. He announced that domestic flight operations for Air Karachi are scheduled to begin on March 23, 2026. The airline plans to launch its service with a fleet ranging between three and five Airbus aircraft. Gohar stated that the airline aims to expand its footprint by starting international flights one year after the successful completion of domestic operations. This development is expected to contribute to Pakistan’s aviation industry and enhance domestic connectivity while positioning the airline as a future competitor in regional markets.
Additionally, Gohar shared updates regarding construction and hospitality initiatives. He revealed that Hyderabad’s first four-star hotel is currently under development on a five-acre site. Discussing Pakistan’s broader economic landscape, Gohar emphasized the importance of strengthening the construction sector to reduce the national budget deficit. He noted that activity in Karachi’s construction market continues despite administrative inefficiencies and operational challenges. According to him, sustained growth in the sector is essential for long-term economic stability, employment, and infrastructure development.
The disclosure regarding the Tarbela gold reserves opens a new chapter in Pakistan’s resource and economic planning narrative. With institutional coordination underway and discussions already initiated with global mining experts, national stakeholders will closely monitor progress in the coming months as the nation anticipates clarity on extraction timelines and strategic utilization of this potential economic windfall.
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