QUETTA: The Chinese geologists assessing iron ore reserves in Baluchistan have established over seven million tons of deposits at one point, it was learnt today [May 13]. The success achieved by the Chinese geologists so far has raised new hope about the total reserves being much higher than originally estimated at only five million tons. The Chinese experts who have already spent several months on assessing the quantum and quality of iron deposits will carry out some more drilling. The discovery of larger ore deposits will make project of mini-steel mills a feasible one. It may be recalled that China had offered to build one or two mini-steel mills — each at a cost of about Rs 100 crore.

[Meanwhile as reported by news agencies from New York,] an ancient Persian manuscript dating back to 1599 topped all previous auction records at Parke Bernete here … when it sold for nearly Rs 25 lakh (250,000 dollars). The documents of Firdausi’s Shah Namah … written in Herat are decorated with 44 full-page miniatures in addition to rich illuminations. … The manuscript came for sale from a New York woman who was selling her home.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025