March 22, 2024 (MLN): The newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday proposed a joint venture between the government and Barrick Gold for the establishment of a Technical University in Chagai District, the latest news post by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting revealed.
The PM made these remarks during a productive meeting with a delegation of Barrick Gold led by its Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow in Islamabad.
“The Reko Diq project will prove to be a game changer for the development of Balochistan and the region,” he further noted.
Moreover, the project will usher in a new era of development of the province and prosperity of the people.
The Prime Minister said plans will be chalked out regarding communication infrastructure, especially railway lines to take full advantage of the mineral potential of Balochistan.
He also encouraged Barrick Gold to invest in other projects of minerals in Balochistan.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government is taking all possible measures, including projects for better roads and communication infrastructure, to facilitate investors.
The delegation further informed the Prime Minister that its feasibility would be completed by the end of this year. It was told that local and Balochistan domicile holders are being given priority in jobs on the Reko Diq project.
It was said that Barrick Gold, under corporate social responsibility, has established three schools near the Reko Diq and so far, one hundred people, including women, have been imparted vocational and technical training by Barrick Gold.
