ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Reko Diq project would prove to be game changer for development of Balochistan and prosperity of people. Speaking to delegation of Barrick Gold Company led by Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow, he said that project will start new era of development of province and prosperity of people.

PM Shehbaz said that planning would be made regarding communication infrastructure, especially railway lines, to take full advantage of minerals in Balochistan. He asked Barrick Gold Company to also invest in other mineral projects in province. PM Shehbaz also suggested that Barrick Gold and government work together to build technical university in province’s Chagai area. “Government is doing everything it can to support investors, particularly in transportation and communication sectors,” he added.

During meeting, delegation provided an update on Reko Diq project and stated that feasibility study will be finished by end of 2024. Shehbaz Sharif was informed that preference was being given to local and Balochistan-domiciled persons to work on Reko Diq project.

Delegation said it had set up three schools near Reko Diq under Corporate Social Responsibility while so far company also imparted technical training to 100 people including women.

Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jehanzeb and relevant senior government officials participated in meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister expressed his unwavering commitment to wiping out terrorism after two soldiers were martyred in suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan. Two soldiers were martyred after suicide bomber struck military convoy on Tank Road.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 23 2024

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