ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court declared agreement signed with Canadian company Barrick Gold Corporation for development of Reko Diq mine in Balochistan “legal”.

Apex court green-lighted deal while announcing its unanimous verdict in presidential reference seeking its opinion on matter. 13-page verdict, which was reserved  week ago was announced by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

Court said that constitution does not allow legislation against national assets, adding that provinces can make changes in laws related to minerals. “There is nothing illegal in new agreement,” said court. It added that agreement was not against 2013 verdict given by top court. SC also shared that agreement was not against environment.

Court also noted that experts had informed it that agreement was inked between federal and provincial governments. However, once Balochistan Assembly was taken into confidence they backed agreement.

“As per Riko Diq agreement, most workers will be Pakistanis. This is not for single person but for Pakistan. There is nothing illegal in this agreement,” said court.

Barrick Gold Corporation has assured it that labour laws will be implemented and company will also fulfil its social responsibility.

“Foreign investment bill is not exclusively for Barrick Gold. Foreign investment bill is for companies that will invest more than $ 500 million dollars,” said court.

In March of this year, Imran Khan who was prime minister at time announced successful agreement with Canadian firm for development of Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, saying it will create 8,000 new jobs for people.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 10 2022

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