ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Saturday proposed setting up of a joint working group for continuation of the Reko Diq gold project.

Discussing the project with Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Balochistan CM proposed inclusion of technical and legal experts from federal and provincial governments in the group.

Khaqan Abbasi recommended that legal and technical consultants of international repute be engaged to address the details of terms of project agreement.

Reko Diq is highly technical and vital for the country and it should be taken up on commercial basis, Mr Abbasi said.

He stressed the need for adopting long-term and consistent policy measures to win trust of the investor since rapid policy changes dilute investor interest.

The Balohcistan chief minister shared with Mr Abbasi problems faced by the people and the government of Balochistan on various issues.

Mr Khaqan Abbasi said that the provincial government enjoys a free hand to take decisions in matters relating to natural resources of the province, adding the federal government and the ministry would provide support to the provincial government.

He assured the chief minister that decisions relating to minerals and other natural resources would be taken by the Balochistan government. The constitution is clear and the ministry desires to facilitate the government, he said.

“It is now the responsibility of the provincial government to take wise and long-term policy decisions in the best interest of the people of Balochistan and the federation of Pakistan as a whole,” Khaqan Abbasi said.

The project is now surrounded by controversies. A consortium of Canadian and Chilean mining companies had, for years, explored cooper and gold deposits under a contract with the government.

The Tethyan Copper Company, which previously was involved in gold and copper exploration, is now planning to seek damages for the breach of contract by both federal and provincial governments.

Finance Secretary Waqar Masood, Petroleum Secretary Abid Saeed, Chief Secretary of Balochistan Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad and other officials were present in the meeting.