By: Mushtaq Raza
The Khewra Salt Mine, located in Pind Dadan Khan, is the second largest salt mine in the world. It not only fulfills the need for natural salt in our daily diets but also serves as a magnificent tourist attraction — a marvelous wonder of nature. It’s a place where one can truly witness the power of the Creator and the labor of mankind. Even if you’ve visited before, each visit reveals something new.
Inside the mine, visitors can enjoy a train ride and witness structures made entirely of salt bricks — such as a waterfall, the Minar-e-Pakistan, a mosque, a palace, and many other creations that are bound to uplift your heart and soul.
For an enjoyable trip, you can take the motorway route, exiting at Lilla Interchange before Kallar Kahar, and reach Khewra Salt Mine via Pind Dadan Khan. The stretch from Lilla Interchange to the mine is about 30 kilometers. On the way, you’ll pass through Pind Dadan Khan, where the great Muslim scientist Al-Biruni once discovered the structure of the Earth.
Outside the mine, you can climb to a height and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Pind Dadan Khan city below — a sight that brings you closer to nature, which is often the remedy for many of life’s troubles. To reduce fatigue, stress, and mental burden, nothing compares to the serenity of nature.
Adjacent to the mine is a hospital for asthma patients. It was inaugurated by the Managing Director of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Mr. Asad Ahmad. Due to his personal interest and efforts, the hospital has been expanded. Every possible facility is available for patients, and people from far-flung areas come here and leave with improved health.
Thanks to the MD’s good governance, the institution is progressing rapidly. Once a loss-making entity, it is now heading toward consistent growth. Eradicating corruption and nepotism has been his top priority. Contractors who acted like a mafia — lazy and manipulative — have been removed. Under his leadership, PMDC has earned record profits. These very contractors, now ousted, are currently engaged in negative propaganda against the institution.
Mr. Asad Ahmad is an honest, intelligent, and capable MD who is playing a vital role in the development of PMDC.
