News Desk:
Islamabad – Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the Reko Diq minerals project has the potential to transform Balochistan’s economic landscape and deliver long-term benefits to the people of Pakistan. The world-class copper and gold reserves at Reko Diq, located near the borders of CPEC routes and Rajasthan, are considered one of the largest deposits of natural resources globally.
Chairing a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the finance minister said that developing Pakistan’s natural resources sector is crucial for sustainable growth. The ECC reviewed agreements and financing plans linked to the Reko Diq mining project, which is set to become one of the most important mineral exploration ventures in South Asia.
The committee considered a summary from the Petroleum Division regarding the financing framework and final agreements. It approved the proposed terms and directed that any fundamental changes in the final documents must be resubmitted after review by legal and financial advisors as well as the Reko Diq Mining Company.
In addition, the Ministry of Railways presented a Railway Development Agreement and Bridge Financing Agreement with the Reko Diq Mining Company. Under the arrangement, $390 million in bridge financing will be provided for the construction of a 1,350-kilometer railway line to transport mineral exports from Balochistan. This new corridor, linked with CPEC infrastructure, is expected to boost connectivity, trade, and regional economic integration.
The ECC instructed the Railway and Finance ministries to jointly review the agreements and submit a detailed progress report by March 2026.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the Reko Diq copper and gold project not only attracts international investment but also creates jobs, develops infrastructure, and brings socio-economic prosperity to Balochistan and Pakistan.
He added that the project will strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global natural resources market, complement CPEC-related development, and provide long-term economic stability.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, along with senior secretaries and regulators.
