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    The Salts of Time: Inside the Khewra Mine

    Written by: Muhammad Asif Nawaz
    Posted on: January 06, 2017 | | 中文

    Inside the Khewra Salt Mine

    The Salt Range, spanning the north of Punjab and extending all the way from Jhelum to the Indus River, is one of Pakistan’s geographical treasures. Not only are its topographical features mesmerizing, but it also comprises a potent historical chapter to go with it. With a length of 175 km, the Range boasts of the ancient Katas Raj complex, held in immense reverence by the Hindus, as well as the forts of Rohtas, Malot and Kafirkot, the Takht-e-Babari, and the shrine of the grandson of Abdul Qadir Jillani. It also has five wildlife sanctuaries and the National Park of Chinji. The serene lakes of Ucchali, Kabikki and Namal add immensely to the place’s tourist potential. However, no account of the Salt Range can be considered complete without a mention of one of its most significant features: the Khewra Salt Mine.

    Khewra is Pakistan’s largest and oldest salt mine, located in the north of Pind Dadan Khan. Its importance is elevated by the fact that it is the world’s second largest salt mine, second only to the Sifto Mine in Ontario, Canada. It is easily accessible from both Islamabad and Lahore, falling midway between the two cities, and reached by exiting the Kallar Kahar interchange on the M2.

    The Khewra Salt Mine is drawn upon eighteen storeys, spreading well above forty kilometers. One of these storeys was opened for public in 2003 to an enormous response. About 250,000 tourists visit the mine annually, stamping Khewra as one of Pakistan’s most visited tourist spots. The mine produces around a hefty 387,747 tonnes of salt per annum. However, only half of this is excavated, so as to prevent the mine from caving in.

    Khewra Salt Mine
     

    Khewra has adequate tourist facilities. An electric train takes you to the inside of the mine, although you can always walk your way there if you want. Originally, the train was meant only for the transport of salt, but its function was altered to cater for growing tourism. As the train snakes inside the dark mine with artificial lights in place, the change in temperature is palpable. Even if it’s the sweltering Punjabi summer, the temperature of the mine is always maintained at a comfortable 18-20 degrees.

    As you walk into the heart of the mine, the world assumes the form of salt, which is just about everywhere. There are numerous salt water ponds present, some of them allegedly centuries old. Various salt structures have also been erected in the mines. Most notable among these are the replica of the Minar-e-Pakistan, and the Salt Mosque (which the labourers have christened as their own ‘Badshahi Mosque’). Among the most interesting sights in the mine are the salt bridge that stands solid without any support whatsoever, the crystal gallery, and the carvings of verses and faces of the founders of Pakistan on the roof of a chamber. Also present in the mine is a wall that you’re supposed to lick – legend has it that this will get you a spouse of your liking. It’s rather amusing to see singles engage in this act!

    Inside of the Khewra Salt Mine

    The 'Badshahi Mosque' made of salt

    There’s a lot more to Khewra than the salty sights and sounds of the mine. Khewra’s discovery is one of history’s romances as well. It was in 320 BC that the place was first discovered. As the battle between Alexander the Great and Raja Porus was imminent, the armies of the former established their camps here. Their horses were seen licking the rocks of the area gluttonously, which eventually led to the discovery of salt here. However, it was centuries later, during the Mughal era, that the mine was formally inaugurated. Since then, it has been functional, with various advancements done by the many regimes that followed.

    Inside of the Khewra Salt Mine

    Items made of salt being sold

    A dispensary has been set up inside Khewra to cater to the immediate needs of tourists and labourers. An asthma clinic was also opened in 2007, where many respiratory diseases are treated through “salt therapy”. Other facilities are also in place. A souvenir shop sells various items made of salt, including lamps, bowls and replicas of famous buildings. There is even a cafe with a large seating area.

    Inside of the Khewra Salt Mine

    A cafe inside the mine

    For all this and more, the Khewra Salt Mine is a must visit if you yearn either for a geographical marvel or a lesson in history. Despite the 2010 floods having adversely affected the mine, much has been restored. Run by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), the place is well worth a visit, and is sure to provide you with a memorable experience.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021