Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pressed authorities to make sure communities in Balochistan, in particular, gain directly from Pakistan’s mineral development projects. His call came as international mining firms Barrick Mining Corporation and Ivanhoe Mines signalled they want to expand their investments in the country.
Speaking at a meeting with a Barrick delegation led by Chairman John Thornton, the prime minister said putting Balochistan’s natural resources and mineral wealth to effective use was vital for the province’s growth and public welfare, according to a Prime Minister’s Office news release.
Jobs and skills for young people in Balochistan
Sharif stressed that residents, especially young people in Balochistan, should have access to employment, skills training and better economic opportunities linked to mining activity.
Also read: Balochistan youth employment drive to train 10,000 youths
Welcoming Barrick’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, he called the Reko Diq project a major landmark for investment in the mineral sector and a venture of strategic importance to the country’s economic future. He said its successful implementation would set a standard for future mining investment and open new doors for foreign investors.
The prime minister said Pakistan intended to make full use of its mineral wealth and build a supportive investment climate through better trade and investment policies, infrastructure and modern technology. Both sides discussed the policy, regulatory and infrastructure frameworks needed to attract investment. The Barrick delegation also expressed interest in setting up mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar.
Government backing offered to Ivanhoe Mines
In a separate meeting with Ivanhoe Mines founder and executive co-chairman Robert Friedland, Sharif offered full government facilitation for investment in the exploration and development of copper, gold and other critical minerals.
He said Pakistan was rich in mineral resources and was committed to working with international partners to tap its large potential. He welcomed Ivanhoe’s interest in investing in the country and its cooperation with local partners, adding that the government’s priority was to create a favourable setting for mineral investment.
Sharif said the recognition of Pakistan as a preferred destination for mineral investment reflected growing confidence among global investors. He also welcomed the memorandums of understanding exchanged during the forum, describing them as a positive step towards stronger cooperation in the sector.
He assured the visiting delegation that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) would extend full support to Ivanhoe Mines for its investment initiatives in Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and SAPM on Energy Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Zafar Iqbal attended the meetings, along with senior officials concerned.
