Reko Diq case: Balochistan to advocate SC guidance

Cabinet discusses development schemes and security situation

QUETTA: Authorities in Balochistan announced on Tuesday that they would request the federal government to seek the Supreme Court’s guidance over the future course of action on Reko Diq gold and copper project, according to a handout issued after the cabinet meeting.

The provincial cabinet, which met with Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch in the chair, thoroughly reviewed development schemes under way in the province and the overall law and order situation.

The meeting was held on the recommendation of the parliamentary leader of PML-N Nawab Sanaullah Zehri. However, despite being a major stakeholder in the government, PML-N did not attend the meeting. The handout says due to an important meeting with the prime minister in Islamabad, Zehri could not attend the meeting.

International law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi gave a detailed briefing about the Reko Dik project to the cabinet. The cabinet decided that the centre would be requested under Article 186 of the constitution to approach the Supreme Court to send a reference for the guidance of International Court of Arbitration about the Reko Diq case.

In the meeting, draft bills of new and amended laws of different departments were presented. The draft bills which were approved by cabinet included amendment of Salaries, Allowance & Privileges Act 1975 of Provincial Assembly, Citizen Immovable Property Tax Act 1958, Balochistan Public Service Commission Amendment Bill and others.

Under the Balochistan Public Service Commission Amended Bill 2014, the tenure of chairman and other members of the commission would be limited to three years.

The meeting reviewed the performance of Balochistan Copper and Gold Project. The meeting was informed that Rs1.62 billion had been spent on the project yet the desired results had not come through, and it was decided that this project would not be given more resources.

The meeting was also given a detailed briefing by provincial home secretary about the overall law and order situation in the province and efforts to curb crime. “The cabinet expressed satisfaction on the law and order situation which has significantly improved,” Information Minister Abdul Raheem Ziaratwal said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2015.