Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence that major projects like Reko Diq will create new opportunities for employment, skills development and economic growth for the people of Balochistan.

He was talking to a delegation led by Chairman of Barrick Mining Corporation John Thornton in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is rich in natural resources and mineral wealth, and harnessing these resources for the development of Balochistan and prosperity of its people is a top priority of the government.

He stressed that the government wants to ensure that the people of Balochistan directly benefit from mineral projects, while providing employment and skills development opportunities to local youth and promoting the development of surrounding communities.

Shehbaz Sharif described the Reko Diq project as an important milestone for investment in Pakistan's mineral sector and a key project for the country's economic future.

He said the successful implementation of the project would establish a benchmark for future mineral investments in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is committed to utilizing its vast mineral resources and creating new opportunities for international investment.

He said the government is creating an enabling environment for the development of the mineral sector through trade, investment, infrastructure and modern technology.

The Prime Minister expressed the desire to benefit from Barrick's expertise and experience for the development of Pakistan's mineral sector beyond the Reko Diq project.

During the meeting, matters relating to the policy, regulatory and infrastructure frameworks required for the development of Pakistan's mineral sector were also discussed.

The Barrick delegation appreciated the government's initiative to organize the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, describing it as an important step towards the development of the country's mineral sector.

The delegation also expressed keen interest in investing in the establishment of mineral processing industries in Karachi and Gwadar.