QUETTA: International interest in Pakistan’s mining sector is expanding beyond the major Reko Diq project, with companies from the UAE and the US exploring opportunities in mineral-rich districts, the chief secretary of Balochistan said on Wednesday.

Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan told senior journalists that the investment by Barrick Gold in the Reko Diq copper-gold project has paved the way for foreign firms to enter the Chagai district, an area where Chinese companies are already operating in Saindak.

He noted the Washuk district and southern areas of the province were rich in antimony, a silvery-gray metalloid primarily found in nature as the sulfide mineral stibnite. “American and other companies are interested in investment in this mineral which is more precious than gold and copper,” Mr Khan said.

Talks are currently underway between the government and foreign companies regarding the antimony reserves.

Claims US, UAE firms eyeing rare antimony reserves; province expects Reko Diq to yield $1bn annually by 2032

Regarding the Reko Diq project, Mr Khan said, “Balochistan will receive a 25 per cent share amounting to $1 billion annually without any provincial investment, which is equivalent to the province’s annual budget.” He said the project is expected to start production by 2032.

He said the project would facilitate the improvement of the Taftan-Quetta railway section and boost the regional economy. Additionally, a water pipeline costing Rs94bn ($338 million) is under construction to supply Reko Diq, Chagai, and surrounding areas.

He emphasised international mining agreements would economically transform Balochistan, providing extra financial resources for development in various sectors.

About administrative reforms, Mr Khan said the provincial government ensured merit-based appointments for commissioners and deputy commissioners across all 36 districts.

Similarly, he added, SSPs were posted on merit to strengthen law and order “without any political pressure”.

Mr Khan voiced support for merging the paramilitary Levies Force into the police, stating that irregularities dating back to the British era were identified within the force.

“Improved governance is essential for sustainable peace in Balochistan,” he said, adding that bureaucrats and politicians must work collectively to improve security and resolve provincial issues.

Mr Khan reported significant progress in the education and health sectors. He said 4,100 schools closed 28 months ago have been made functional, with 98.8pc of schools in the province now operational.

In healthcare, he said vaccination coverage increased from 37pc to 50pc, with no polio cases reported this year. He added that 164 previously closed Basic Health Units have been restored.

Mr Khan also highlighted fiscal discipline, noting that the timely release of development funds is now ensured to prevent project delays. He said the government has curtailed the discretionary powers of the Finance and Planning departments and digitised the billing system.

Mr Khan said fuel smuggling had been brought down from 12m litres to 800,000 litres a day, as the crackdown saved the national economy around Rs700bn.

Regarding energy, he said gas reserves in Dera Bugti were suitable for industrial fertiliser production rather than domestic use. He said the reserves would last 46 years, with several companies showing interest.

Mr Khan concluded by emphasising the shared responsibility of governance.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2025