ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to deploy additional Frontier Corps wings in Rakhshan Division to establish a dedicated security corridor for mineral protection.

The directive came during a day-long visit to Quetta, where Sharif chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on security matters alongside provincial leadership.

Rakhshan Division hosts the Saindak and Reko Diq copper-gold mines, central to Islamabad’s strategy to harness natural resources for economic growth. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the security measures would include additional paramilitary wings, highway checkpoints, a surveillance grid, and strengthened border posts.

“Providing a secure environment in Balochistan is essential to maintain the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects,” Sharif said, according to the PMO statement.

Pakistan views its mineral sector as a key driver for economic stabilisation. The country possesses vast untapped resources estimated in trillions of dollars, with Balochistan holding significant deposits.

The Reko Diq project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold sites, features a joint venture with Barrick Gold holding 50 percent equity, while Pakistani entities hold the remaining stake. Updated feasibility studies project a 37-year mine life with total capital investment around $8.8 billion across phases. Phase 1 targets production of approximately 200,000 tonnes of copper annually, with first output expected by end-2028.

Barrick estimates the project could generate substantial free cash flow—figures cited in various reports range from $70-74 billion over the life of the mine—and deliver around $54 billion in revenue to Pakistan.

Saindak, operated with Chinese partnership, produces copper concentrate, gold, and silver, with expansion efforts targeting millions of tonnes of ore processing annually. These projects form part of broader efforts to boost the mining sector’s contribution, currently around 2-3 percent of GDP, through foreign investment and local development.

The security push addresses persistent challenges. Balochistan has faced a decades-long insurgency by separatist groups that frequently target security forces, infrastructure, and economic projects. Separatists accuse the federal government of exploiting provincial resources, a charge Islamabad denies while committing to counter-militancy operations.

Last month, militants stormed a site of National Resources Private Limited in Chagai district, killing 10 people. Such incidents have raised concerns among investors. Barrick Gold announced reviews of the Reko Diq project earlier this year, citing security considerations, and indicated a slowdown in development with assessments continuing into mid-2027. Pakistani officials later noted the company’s reaffirmed commitment.

The Frontier Corps deployment aims to create a protected corridor facilitating safe operations and investor confidence. Officials emphasised that securing these assets is critical as Pakistan seeks to attract further foreign direct investment in minerals.

Balochistan’s mineral potential extends beyond Reko Diq and Saindak, with the province holding deposits that could support long-term economic diversification. However, frequent attacks continue to pose risks to development timelines and worker safety.

Provincial and federal authorities have intensified coordination on security. The Apex Committee meeting reviewed overall law and order, with emphasis on protecting ongoing and planned mining activities.

Market observers note that successful implementation of these measures could help stabilise investor sentiment. International financing support has already emerged for Reko Diq, including packages from development banks.

The government maintains that mineral development will bring employment and revenue to Balochistan while contributing to national exports. Yet, analysts highlight the need for sustained security alongside community engagement to address local grievances.

This latest directive reflects Islamabad’s dual focus on economic extraction and counter-insurgency in the resource-rich but volatile province. The coming months will test the effectiveness of the enhanced security framework in enabling project timelines.

Future phases of Reko Diq and expansions at other sites depend heavily on ground stability. Officials have indicated that additional measures may follow based on operational requirements and threat assessments.

Regional implications extend to Pakistan’s broader investment climate, as successful mineral sector growth could attract further partnerships in critical resources. Challenges remain, however, with militants likely to continue targeting high-value economic assets.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not detailed the exact number of additional troops but stressed the comprehensive nature of the corridor approach covering key routes and installations.