Gold remains a popular choice for Pakistanis looking to protect their savings. Investors have several ways to gain exposure to the precious metal.
Physical gold is one common option. However, it can involve additional costs and risks for investors.
These concerns include storage, security, purity and resale issues. Jewelry can also carry significant making charges and other premiums.
Investors who want to avoid these challenges can consider three alternatives. These include digital gold, regulated gold mutual funds and gold futures.
Digital Gold Through Online Platforms
Digital gold allows investors to gain exposure without physically holding the metal. Some platforms allow investors to start with relatively small amounts.
Asasa offers digital 24K gold purchases starting from Rs. 1,000. The platform says customer holdings are backed by equivalent physical gold held in custody.
Asasa is operated by Zarvest Technologies (Private) Limited. The company says it is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Investors can also find PMEX-linked digital gold products. One example is milliSona, which uses a PMEX account for transactions.
Digital gold can offer convenience for people who want to accumulate gold gradually. However, investors should review the platform’s terms and custody arrangements.
Regulated Gold Mutual Funds
Gold mutual funds provide another way to invest without storing physical metal. These funds operate under Pakistan’s regulated investment framework.
The Meezan Gold Fund is one available option. It invests at least 70 percent of its net assets in deliverable gold-based contracts on PMEX.
Its minimum initial investment is Rs. 5,000. Additional investments can start from Rs. 1,000.
The NBP Islamic Gold Fund is another regulated option. It was launched in 2026 as an open-end commodity fund.
The fund invests significantly in deliverable gold contracts available through PMEX. Its minimum investment is Rs. 10,000.
Investors should consider fees, risks and investment strategies before selecting any mutual fund.
Gold Futures Through PMEX
Investors can also trade gold futures through the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange. PMEX is licensed and regulated by SECP.
Investors must use brokers registered with PMEX to access its futures market. The exchange offers several gold contracts, including smaller contracts.
Gold futures can provide exposure without requiring physical ownership. However, futures trading carries considerably higher risks.
Margin trading can increase both potential gains and losses. Therefore, this option may be more suitable for experienced investors.
Be Careful With Unregulated Trading Apps
Not every app offering gold or XAU/USD trading provides regulated gold investment in Pakistan.
Some international platforms offer leveraged gold trading without giving investors ownership of physical gold.
PMEX has warned investors about offshore platforms, including OctaFX, Exness, XM and EasyForex.
The exchange has advised investors to use PMEX-licensed brokers. It has also stated that PMEX is Pakistan’s only SECP-licensed commodity futures exchange.
Choosing the Right Gold Investment
The best option depends on an investor’s goals, experience and risk tolerance.
Digital gold may suit people seeking smaller investments and convenient ownership. Mutual funds may suit investors seeking professionally managed exposure.
PMEX futures may appeal to experienced traders comfortable with higher risks.
Before investing, people should understand the product and its regulator. They should also check fees, custody arrangements and selling procedures.
In other related news also read Gold Prices in Pakistan
Understanding these factors can help investors make informed decisions when considering Gold as part of their investment strategy.
