“Reqo Diq is a turning point not only in mining sector of Pakistan but most importantly from development perspective of Balochistan”, remarked Dr Musadik Malik
According to a press release, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik held a meeting with a delegation of Barrick Gold Corporation, led by its president and CEO Mark Bristow. Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ms. Leslie Scanlon was also in company.
Dr. Musadik appreciated the steps taken for indigenization and skills development with 70% local empolyment. He expressed high hopes in the leadership of Barrick Gold for upholding the highest standards of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Mark Bristow expressed his corporation’s resolve on continued dialogue regarding development of region, infrastructure development including upgradation of railway.He added that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s concept of Danish Schools for education of orphans and neglected children is very much part of the way we work in other countries. ” I am excited about doubling up the initiative”, said Mr. Mark
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the importance of Canadian technology for Pakistan and opportunity to benefit from expertise in exploring shale. The meeting discussed the cooperation for capacity building with PMDC and GSP. Barrick Gold is already employing the drill of GSP for exploring geothermal energy.
Earlier, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Monday approved about Rs72 billion financing facility for payment of the Balochistan government’s obligations in the Reko Diq Project dispute settlement.
The meeting presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, however, deferred proposals for increasing the minimum prices of about 177 medicines because of poor defence by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) chief executive and the secretary of national health services.
While the meeting rejected a proposal for increasing the price of Remdemsivir 100mg injection from the existing Rs1,892 per vial, it directed Drap and the Ministry of National Health Services to prepare their case and come back to the ECC to justify an increase in prices of 177 other medicines.
The ECC also deferred a summary for the appointment of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank as transaction adviser for the outsourcing of the country’s three top airports — Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad — for 25 years.
