Punjab Rangers Finally Get Rs. 8.4 Crore Reward for Seizing 25 KGs of Gold in 1989

After a delay spanning nearly four decades, the federal government has sanctioned a reward of Rs 84.809 million for Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) in recognition of their role in intercepting a 25-kilogram gold smuggling attempt near Narowal in 1989, Business Recorder reported. The approval came following the resolution of long-standing legal and procedural obstacles. The reward corresponds to 15% of the value of the seized gold, which was valued at Rs 565.4 million based on its worth at the time it was deposited into the national treasury through the State Bank of Pakistan. The gold was confiscated by the Rangers on May 27, 1989, and although it was immediately handed over to the state, the reward due to the force remained pending for 36 years. The decision to finally disburse the reward followed a joint review by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law & Justice, both of which confirmed that the payment would be made under the Customs Reward Rules of 2012. These rules allow for a share of proceeds from confiscated goods to be awarded to personnel involved in the seizure. The proposal received formal approval from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. During the review, it was revealed that the delay was primarily due to extended legal proceedings and administrative hurdles. The Ministry of Interior and National Coordination (MoI&NC) has assured that such delays will be avoided in the future and that timely payments will be ensured for those entitled. The ECC also instructed that the reward should be distributed to the individuals named in the original seizure report or, if they are deceased, to their legal heirs, strictly by the Customs Reward Rules. This long-awaited recognition serves not only as a financial acknowledgment but also as a formal appreciation of the Pakistan Rangers’ contribution to national security and anti-smuggling efforts.