Balochistan approves purchase of wheat

CM says Reko DIq deal made because 'we had lost the case in the international court'

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Cabinet on Thursday approved purchase of wheat from Punjab to overcome the shortage of the commodity in the province.

Addressing the cabinet, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said nothing was secret about the multi-billion dollar gold and copper project of Reko Diq.

The CM chaired the meeting of the provincial cabinet, which made important decisions.

All coalition partners participated in the meeting, which discussed issues relating to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.

Bizenjo also addressed the cabinet and informed the members about his meeting with Barrick Gold Corporation (BGC) Mark Bristow in Quetta.

“We accepted the agreement because of compulsion since we had lost the case in the international court,” Bizenjo said. He said next time the share of Balochistan in other proposed projects would be increased to 75 per cent.

CM Balochistan reiterated that all stakeholders including the politicians were on board while signing the agreement with the company.

“We made everything public,” he added. It was difficult to satisfy all political leaders and stakeholders, Bizenjo said.

Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili briefed the cabinet about the rescue and relief operation in the aftermath of heavy rainfall in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.

The cabinet offered fateha for the departed souls of those who lost their lives in the flash floods.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM stated that it was the responsibility of the governemnt to rehabilitate the flood-hit families and the government has already announced compensation for the victims’ families.

The Balochistan cabinet also approved the purchase of wheat from Punjab to overcome the problem of shortage of wheat in the province.

The cabinet also approved the release of required funds to the Municipal Corporation Quetta to reopen closed water points.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2022.