KARACHI:
The name ‘Reko Diq’ translates to ‘sand dune’ in Balochi language, signifying a landscape abundant in natural resources, particularly gold and copper. Pakistan’s fortune lies beneath the sands, where nature has concealed treasures of gold and copper, making it a region of immense economic potential. However, the journey to uncover these riches has been fraught with controversy, neglect, and exploitation of local communities.
For years, the Reko Diq project has sparked waves of excitement and anticipation, followed by prolonged periods of silence and disappointment. The cycle of euphoria, followed by inertia, has become a familiar narrative in the region. Despite occasional bursts of activity, the project has often languished in obscurity, leaving the people of Balochistan yearning for progress and development.
The tale of Reko Diq is not merely one of untapped wealth but also of neglect and exploitation. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by resource-rich regions like Balochistan, where the promise of prosperity is overshadowed by a history of deprivation and marginalisation.
Despite being home to some of the world’s most valuable mineral reserves, Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s most impoverished and least developed provinces. The arrival of foreign mining companies, with promises of investment and development, has reignited hope among the people of Balochistan. However, these hopes are tempered by a sense of apprehension and distrust, fueled by past experiences of exploitation and dispossession.
The Reko Diq project, touted as a beacon of economic growth and prosperity, has become a symbol of discontent and disillusionment for many in the region. One of the most contentious issues surrounding the Reko Diq project is the question of ownership and benefit-sharing. Despite being situated in Balochistan, the province has seen little direct benefit from its mineral wealth. Instead, the profits generated from the exploitation of these resources have often flowed out of the region, leaving local communities impoverished and disenfranchised.
Gulab Umid
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2024.
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