ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday declared an agreementsigned between the Pakistan government and two international firms —Antofagasta PLC and Barrick Gold Corporation — in March for the revival ofthe long-stalled Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan as legal.
The apex court green-lighted the deal while announcing its unanimousverdict in the presidential reference seeking its opinion on the matter.The 13-page verdict, which was reserved a week ago, was announced by ChiefJustice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial today.
The court said that the constitution does not allow legislation againstnational assets, adding that the provinces can make changes in the lawsrelated to minerals.
“There is nothing illegal in the new agreement,” said the court. It addedthat the agreement was not against the 2013 verdict given by the top court.
The SC also shared that the agreement was not against the environment.
The court also noted that the experts had informed it that the agreementwas inked between the federal and provincial governments. However, once theBalochistan Assembly was taken into confidence they backed the agreement.
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The court stated that Barrick Gold Corporation has assured it that labourlaws will be implemented and the company will also fulfil its socialresponsibility.
Reko Dik agreement
In March of this year, Imran Khan, who was the prime minister at the time,announced the successful agreement with the Canadian firm for thedevelopment of the Reko Diq mine in Balochistan, saying it will create8,000 new jobs for the people.
“I congratulate the nation and people of Balochistan on successfulagreement with Barrick Gold for development of Reko Diq mine,” he tweeted.
