Syed Ali Shah:
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QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo termed the supreme court’s judgment about the Reko Diq project as proof of his government’s principled stance. Despite all odds, my government succeeded in protecting the rights of the people of Balochistan, Mr. Bizenjo told reporters at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Friday evening. Other provincial ministers were also present on the occasion.
“I cannot explain, which kinds of troubles we faced in striking a successful deal with the company”, he said. This was for the first time in the history of Balochistan that all stakeholders including all political parties outside and inside the assembly were taken on board prior to the Reko Diq agreement.
BGC to invest 8 billion USD in Reko Diq
Chief Minister Balochistan’s comments have come a day after the apex court endorsed the government’s agreement with the Barrick Gold Corporation (BGC).
The Chief Minister said Reko Diq would bring an investment of more than 8 billion US dollars, which will open new vistas of development and prosperity in the province and country. He reiterated that the company would provide direct 8000 jobs to the people of Balochistan and indirectly thousands of jobs would also be created after the functioning of the multi-billion dollar gold and copper project.
“Minerals are the future of Balochistan”, he said. The CM said his government was committed to attracting national and foreign investment in Balochistan to promote the socio-economic conditions of the province.
All political parties endorse the government’s stance
Chief Minister Balochistan said he met all key political leaders of Balochistan to develop consensus and seek guidance from them with regard to the agreement with BGC about the Reko Diq project. “This was not my personal decision rather all political parties”, Mr. Bizenjo stated.
The CM also appreciated the efforts of former prime minister Imran Khan and Shaukat Tareen with regard to the success of the Reko Diq agreement. “This would be an injustice not to mention them”, he added.
