PM Directs Railway Link to Reko Diq by 2028

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed relevant departments to ensure the connection of the Reko Diq mining site to the national railway network by the year 2028.

This directive was issued during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday, focusing on the modernization of Pakistan Railways and the integration of Reko Diq with the rail system, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Reko Diq, a site in Balochistan, is known as one of the world’s largest untapped reserves of copper and gold. Barrick Gold is currently developing the site, possessing a 50% stake, with the remaining ownership divided between the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan.

The commencement of production is anticipated in 2028. Barrick Gold estimates that the mine will yield approximately $74 billion in free cash flow throughout its projected 37-year operational life.

The meeting also encompassed a briefing on the progress of Pakistan Railways, including the upgrade of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Main Line-3 (ML-3), considering upcoming cargo and transportation demands.

Presiding over the session, the Prime Minister also ordered the establishment of a cross-ministerial committee tasked with resolving financial matters pertaining to the modernization and expansion of the railway infrastructure.

According to the PMO, this committee will present specific proposals concerning the necessary funding for Pakistan Railways development and its extension to Reko Diq.

“Pakistan Railways serves as a crucial component of the nation’s economic and communication structure,” PM Shehbaz stated.

The Prime Minister further added that connecting Reko Diq to the railway network would significantly promote the progress of Balochistan’s mining sector and generate increased job prospects for the local community.

Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, along with other high-ranking government officials.