The Illuminated Salt Mosque , inside Khewra Salt Mines

The Illuminated Salt Mosque , inside Khewra Salt Mines

Illuminated "Salt Mosque" inside the visitors' area of Khewra Salt Mines, Pakistan Khewra Salt Mines is situated at the distance of 160 km from Islamabad and 260 km from Lahore in Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan District Jhelum. It has easy approach via Lahore – Islamabad Motorway through Lilla Interchange. Discovery of Rock Salt dates back to days of Alexander the great. It was in the year 1872, when scientific mining operation started under the British rule. Prior to annexation of Punjab by the British Empire in the year 1849, the salt mines in the province were owned and operated by the Janjua Rajas, and after its annexation, the British Government took over the administration of these mines. Centuries ago, salt was take out at these mines from the out-crops of the salt seams exposed to the surface of the hill by those who were living in its vicinity. Dr. Warth, a renowned Mining Engineer of UK, laid out the main tunnel at ground level in 1872 to have an easy and direct approach to salt deposits. The new system introduced by Dr. Warth is still in-vogue. There are 19 levels at present in the Khewra Mine with the systematic workings. Only 50% of salt is excavated from the working seam while the remaining 50% is left as pillars.