Three Legal Ways to Invest in Gold Online in Pakistan

August 28, 2026

Gold as a Savings Instrument in Pakistan

Gold remains a popular way for Pakistanis to preserve their savings. While the traditional route of purchasing physical gold from jewellers or bullion dealers continues to be widespread, it carries a set of practical drawbacks that make it a less efficient investment option for many. Physical gold comes with security, storage, purity and resale concerns, and investors have to keep the gold safe themselves, which can create additional costs and risks.

The Hidden Costs of Physical Gold

Jewellers charge making costs and other premiums when gold is bought or sold, and these charges can significantly reduce the actual return an investor receives, particularly when buying jewellery. Making charges can sometimes reach as high as 35 percent of the gold’s value, meaning the investor may pay substantially more than the value of the gold at the time of purchase. Selling physical gold presents similar difficulties, as deductions applied at the point of resale can considerably reduce the apparent gain made on the investment.

Option One: Digital Gold Through Asasa

Investors can buy 24K gold digitally through Asasa starting from Rs. 1,000. The platform allows investors to accumulate gold without taking physical possession, and every customer’s digital gold holding is backed by an equivalent amount of physical gold kept in custody. Asasa is operated by Zarvest Technologies (Private) Limited, which the company says is registered with the SECP. PMEX-linked digital gold products such as milliSona are also available, where purchases are made through a PMEX account rather than through an independent platform.

Option Two: Gold Mutual Funds

Investors can access gold through SECP-regulated mutual funds without buying or storing physical gold themselves. The Meezan Gold Fund invests at least 70 percent of its net assets in deliverable gold-based contracts available on PMEX, with a minimum initial investment of Rs. 5,000 and subsequent investments starting from Rs. 1,000. The NBP Islamic Gold Fund, launched in 2026, is an open-end commodity fund that invests significantly in deliverable gold contracts on PMEX, with a minimum investment of Rs. 10,000. Both operate within Pakistan’s regulated mutual fund framework, though investors are advised to review each fund’s fee structure, risks, and redemption process before committing capital.

Option Three: Gold Futures Through PMEX

Investors can trade gold futures through PMEX, Pakistan’s SECP-licensed and regulated commodity futures exchange, using PMEX-registered brokers. PMEX offers different gold contracts, including smaller-sized contracts for investors with relatively lower capital. Gold futures are riskier than simply holding gold because investors trade using margins and can face larger gains or losses, making this option generally more suitable for investors who understand futures trading and can manage the associated risks.

A Warning Against Unregulated Platforms

PMEX has warned investors against offshore platforms including OctaFX, Exness, XM and EasyForex, and has advised investors to trade through PMEX-licensed brokers, stating that PMEX is Pakistan’s only SECP-licensed and regulated commodity futures exchange. Investors considering any gold investment product should verify its regulatory status and understand its custody arrangements, fee structure, and exit mechanisms before placing any funds into it.

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