Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project in Balochistan is connected to Pakistan’s railway network by the year 2028. This deadline matches the expected start of the mine’s commercial production.
The instruction was given during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where officials discussed railway development and how to link major economic projects like Reko Diq with the national rail system.
Reko Diq is being developed by Barrick Gold Corporation in partnership with the federal and Balochistan governments.
It is one of the world’s largest copper-gold projects and is expected to generate a massive $74 billion over a span of 37 years. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is likely to provide $400 million in funding for the project.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of upgrading the country’s railway infrastructure.
He particularly emphasized improvements to the Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway tracks. These upgrades are essential for supporting future economic and transport needs, especially for projects like Reko Diq.
To ensure proper planning and financing, the Prime Minister also ordered the formation of a special committee to focus on railway funding and development.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to supporting major investment projects and strengthening the national transport system for long-term economic growth.
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