The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has given the go‑ahead to vital financing and agreements that clear the way for the rail infrastructure component of the Reko Diq mining project. Central to this approval is a $390 million investment aimed at constructing a 1,350‑kilometre railway track intended specifically for transporting mineral exports from Balochistan.
Infrastructure Deal and Accountability Measures
As part of the agreement, the Ministry of Railways has been instructed to share all relevant rail development and bridge financing documents with the Ministry of Finance for due scrutiny. The ECC has also demanded that both ministries produce a detailed progress report on the project’s implementation by March next year, ensuring oversight and timely execution. These steps are intended to bolster transparency and accountability, given the scale and long‑term importance of the venture.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the project’s transformative potential for Balochistan. He stated the rail link will not only enable the export of copper and gold from one of the largest undeveloped deposits in the world, but also generate jobs and improve infrastructure across the region, ultimately contributing to the area’s socioeconomic uplift.
Strategic Impact for Economy and Region
Reko Diq, with its rich copper‑gold reserves, has long been eyed as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s mining future. The railway project approved by the ECC plays an essential role in unlocking this potential. By facilitating the movement of minerals from the mine to export points, the railway will reduce logistical bottlenecks and transport costs substantially.
This infrastructure investment is expected to accelerate employment opportunities, not just during construction but also through ongoing operational needs. More broadly, it signals a commitment by the government to harness natural resources in Balochistan for national development — promising sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and stronger export revenues.
In sum, the ECC approval for the railway financing marks an important milestone in the Reko Diq project’s evolution. With clear timelines, government oversight, and financial backing in place, the train tracks for a more prosperous future are finally being laid.
