Reko Diq-Style Projects to Open New Jobs, Growth Avenues in Balochistan: PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that large projects such as Reko Diq would create new opportunities for employment, skills development and economic growth for the people of Balochistan.

Pakistan is a country rich in natural resources and mineral wealth, he said, adding that benefiting from these resources to develop the province and improve the living standards of its people was the government’s first priority.

According to a statement issued by the Media Wing of the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks while meeting a delegation led by John Thornton, Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation.

The prime minister said Pakistan was committed to harnessing its vast mineral resources and creating new opportunities for global investment.

He said the Reko Diq project was a key milestone in investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector and was of central importance to the country’s economic future. The success of this project, he said, would set an ideal benchmark for future mineral investment in Pakistan.

The prime minister said the government was creating a favourable environment for the development of the mineral sector, based on trade, investment, infrastructure and modern technology.

The visiting delegation described the Minerals Conference organised by the prime minister and the government of Pakistan as an important step towards mineral development in the country. The delegation expressed keen interest in investing in the establishment of minerals processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar.

Opportunities for the People of Balochistan

Shehbaz Sharif said Balochistan was rich in natural resources and mineral wealth, and that these resources could be used effectively to develop the province, improve the well-being of its people and increase employment opportunities.

He said the government’s priorities included giving the people of Balochistan a direct share in the benefits of mineral projects, creating jobs and skills training opportunities for local youth, and ensuring the development of surrounding communities.

The prime minister welcomed Barrick Mining Corporation’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum. The meeting also discussed a suitable policy, regulatory and infrastructure framework for the mineral sector in Pakistan.

Beyond Reko Diq, the prime minister expressed the desire to benefit from Barrick’s expertise and experience in developing Pakistan’s mineral sector.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.