ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the Reko Diq copper-gold mining site in Balochistan is connected to Pakistan’s railway network by 2028, aligning with the expected start of commercial production at the project.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday focused on the development and upgradation of Pakistan Railways, particularly the integration of Reko Diq with the national rail system, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, is being developed by Barrick Gold Corporation, which owns a 50% stake. The remaining ownership is held jointly by the federal and Balochistan governments. The project is scheduled to commence production in 2028 and is expected to generate up to $74 billion in free cash flow over its estimated 37-year operational life.
As part of the project’s financing, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is expected to provide a $400 million loan to support development costs.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on ongoing efforts to modernise Pakistan Railways, including plans to upgrade key corridors ML-1 and ML-3 to accommodate future transport and cargo demands.
Shehbaz instructed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to develop a detailed financing strategy for railway development and its extension to the Reko Diq site. “Pakistan Railways is the backbone of the national economy and communication infrastructure,” he said, stressing the importance of improved connectivity for long-term growth.
The prime minister noted that the rail link to Reko Diq would not only facilitate mineral transport but also accelerate economic development in Balochistan and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and senior government officials.
