Bizenjo hails SC Reko Diq verdict

Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo termed the Supreme Court judgment about the Reko Diq Project a proof of his government’s principled stance.

Despite all odds, my government succeeded in protecting the rights of the people of Balochistan, Bizenjo told journalists at the chief minister 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, adding that it 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.

Chief minister 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, which will open new vistas of development and prosperity in the province and country. He reiterated that the company would provide direct 8,000 jobs to the people of Balochistan and indirectly thousands of jobs would also be created after the start of the multi-billion dollar gold and copper project.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2022.