More than Rs. 1 billion worth of gold has reportedly gone missing from Latif Jewellery Market in Lahore, leading to a major police investigation. The incident has created panic among traders, as it involves around 20 kilograms of gold that had been safely deposited with a well-known local trader, Sheikh Waseem Akhtar.
According to shop owners in the market, Akhtar had been trusted for years to keep gold for different traders, but he suddenly stopped coming to his shop and could not be reached.
After several days of no contact and increasing concern, traders decided to check the storage locker where the gold was kept. When they opened it, they were shocked to find that the gold was gone.
The disappearance of such a large amount has caused fear and frustration throughout the jewellery market, with many traders demanding immediate action.
Police have registered the case and started an inquiry to trace the missing trader and recover the gold. Officers are collecting statements from shopkeepers, reviewing security camera footage, and checking Akhtar’s financial and personal records to understand what may have happened. Authorities believe that recovering the gold and locating the trader will require a detailed investigation due to the scale of the loss.
The jewellery market has also increased its own security and is urging traders to avoid keeping valuable items with individuals without proper documentation or guarantees. Many traders say this incident is a wake-up call for the entire community to adopt safer practices.
The missing gold case has become one of the largest reported losses in Lahore’s jewellery sector, and traders anxiously await progress as the investigation continues.
