Islamabad, April 1, 2025 – Gold prices in Pakistan have shattered records, reaching an astonishing Rs. 325,700 per tola on Tuesday, as citizens scramble to secure their wealth amid a turbulent economic landscape. This surge, driven by a potent mix of global market trends and domestic instability, marks a historic milestone for the precious metal in the fifth-most populous nation on Earth.
Local jewelers reported a frenzied rush at markets in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with buyers flocking to invest in gold as a hedge against a weakening Pakistani rupee and persistent inflation. The price per 10 grams also climbed to Rs. 278,635, reflecting a sharp Rs. 1,389 increase in just one day. Analysts attribute this spike to a ripple effect from international markets, where gold hit $3,150 per ounce, fueled by fears of a U.S.-led trade war and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts.
“People are losing faith in paper currency,” said Faisal Ahmed, a bullion trader in Karachi. “With tariffs looming and the rupee in freefall, gold is the only fortress left standing.” The sentiment echoes across the country, where economic woes—exacerbated by IMF-backed austerity measures—have deepened public distrust in traditional financial systems.
Globally, gold’s allure as a safe-haven asset has intensified, with central banks stockpiling reserves at unprecedented rates. Pakistan’s market, however, faces unique pressures, including a thriving black-market trade that some experts warn could distort official figures. “The real price might be even higher,” hinted an anonymous dealer in Lahore.
As wedding season approaches, the timing couldn’t be worse for families reliant on gold for dowries, with many now forced to rethink traditions. Meanwhile, economists predict volatility ahead, but for now, gold’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing, casting a glittering spotlight on Pakistan’s economic crossroads.
