Reko Diq potentially facing delays

The bull run in Pakistan’s capital market is encouraging, but the outlook for critical long-term investments appears less optimistic. For instance, the multi-billion-dollar copper and gold project at Reko Diq in Balochistan’s Chagi district may face delays in materialising, despite the active involvement of Canadian giant Barrick Gold, which holds commanding 50 per cent stake in the venture. The recent changes in the ownership structure of the Reko Diq mining project, driven by the expressed interest of key bilateral partner Saudi Arabia and principal investor Barrick Gold, are reportedly contributing to the current delays. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has consistently expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, along with infrastructure, agriculture and industry.