QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch has dispelled the impression of striking a deal with any company with regard to Reko Diq gold-cum-copper mine project.
“I will not sell a stone of Balochistan, Reko Diq is something very big,” Dr Baloch told a crowded press conference at Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta.
The chief minister’s remarks came after opposition parties in Balochistan Assembly leveled serious allegations against the province’s nationalist-led government. Opposition parties had claimed that Reko Diq gold and copper reservoirs were being sold to foreign companies.
The Chief Minister rejected the reports of again granting contract to Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) of Reko Diq.
He said the Supreme Court had already rejected the agreement with TCC and in this regard the apex court had issued a judgment as well.
Dr. Baloch said the agreement with TCC by Balochistan Development Authority had violated the province’s mines and mineral rules.
“Every company is bound to follow Balochistan mining rules,” he added.
Dr. Malik said that the agreement with Tethyan Copper Company has been cancelled and the company will not be offered the project again.
Dr. Baloch assured his cabinet, the Balochistan Assembly and masses of the province that his government would guard all mineral and natural resources and added that, “I am leading an accountable and responsive government.”
The Chief Minister also said that his government has decided to serve legal notices on two journalists who were allegedly spreading false information about him.
“These anchors were misleading the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister however lamented that masses of Balochistan were yet to be benefited from rich-mineral and natural resources.
“Even Sui town is deprived of gas facility,” Dr. Baloch said while referring to rich gas reservoirs in Balochistan’s troubled Dera Bugtio district.
Regarding Saindak Project, the chief minister stated that the province was not beneficiary of the project rather Chinese and federal government were major beneficiaries.
“China and Federal government were getting 50 per cent each share whereas Balochistan was being paid a mere 2 per cent royalty,” he said.
Dr. Malik said that the agreement with Tethyan Copper Company has been cancelled and the company will not be offered the project again.
