Islamabad
moves a step ahead on Reko Diq

The good part of the in-camera briefing to members of the Balochistan Assembly on the current status of Reko Diq is that at least the public representatives of the province now know what is happening on the project that contains a wealth of the people of the province.
However, had the briefing been open to all, the federal government would have gotten some kind of confidence of the people of Balochistan which has long been ungovernable for the issues relating to the ownership of the resources of the province.
The reports that appeared so far give a mixed signal and the chief minister attempts to create a perception that Balochistan would not be deprived this time and will get its due share. But his contention that since the federal government has lost the case in the international arbitration, much should not be expected is also not justifiable. Because it was not Balochistan who contributed to the failure of the country to pursue and win the case against Tethyan Copper Company; it was sure Islamabad which brought the project to its present status.
Now the reports say that one of the partners of the consortium (Barrick Gold of Canada) may agree to come back but on what terms is yet to be crystal clear.
It is reported that Pakistan expects the company to write off a US$3 billion penalty and also pay an equal amount to its other partner (Antofagasta Minerals of Chile). If it is so then the Pakistani government is likely to accept the terms of the company and what share comes into the kitty of Balochistan is yet to be seen.
Balochistan Chief Minister Qudoos Bienjo says the Balochistan government was trying to get at least 25pc share in the profits.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the federal government would bear the financial burden for the development of the Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan.
In a tweet, the prime minister said the decision to bear the financial responsibility of the project on behalf of the Balochistan government was taken in line with the Centre’s vision for the uplift of smaller provinces.
He said the step would help usher in an era of prosperity for the people and the province.
The chief executives of the province and the federal government should be taken with a positive spirit but it must appear in practical steps not only on this project but on all resources of Balochistan.
Thus, the agreement with any new party on Reko Diq should be open for the people of the province, and also it must demonstrate their will. – ER Report