QUETTA: The provincial government, according to Balochistan Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, will receive a share of more than 38% of the revenue generated by the Reko-Diq cooper-cum gold project.
On Sunday, in support of the agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation, he asserted that the agreement will benefit the province financially.
He stated that Balochistan will receive approximately Rs200 billion from the project during a meeting with the participants of the ongoing 10th National Security Workshop. He went on to say that the money will help the struggling provincial economy.
He stated that “we have taken decisions with goodwill and courage on all important issues, including Reko Diq,” and that “inordinate delays in decision-making are not in the interest of the people of Balochistan and the country.” Reko Diq was one of the issues that needed to be resolved.
According to the chief minister, the assembly and cabinet have approved the contract after an in-camera briefing was held for provincial lawmakers to allay their concerns about the project.
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The provincial government has ensured that all taxes will be paid, and over 8,000 people will be employed as a result of royalties and CSR.
He said the provincial government would have a 25 percent stake in the project without investing any money, describing it as the “biggest investment in the country’s history.”
This project will open the door to both domestic and international investments in the province.
Answering an inquiry regarding unlawful fishing — a well-established issue of individuals of Gwadar — the main pastor said unlawful fishing in Balochistan’s waters has been totally dispensed with to safeguard the work of anglers of the territory.
He said individuals of the region were more subject to deal exchange, for which line exchange has been reestablished in regions along the Pak-Iran line fully backed by Pakistan Armed forces.
He went on to say that “commercial facilities at the border are being improved” and that “trade points are being established at six places on the border.”
He stated that farmers will receive a “Kisan Card” and that the “Agricultural Transformation Plan” has begun its implementation.
He also addressed the questions and elaborated on the political, social, and economic circumstances of Balochistan.
Mr. Bizenjo went on to say, “My conscience is satisfied with every decision, and I consider myself responsible to the people for these decisions I had taken as chief minister.”
