The federal government has approved a grant of 1.79 billion rupees for the security of the Reko Diq Gold and Copper Project in Balochistan.
As per media reports, the Finance Division had submitted a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on January 14 for the approval of a technical supplementary grant of 1.792 billion rupees for security charges related to the Reko Diq project.
The Finance Division initially supported allocating only Rs.286.987 million, but during the ECC meeting on February 3, the summary was deferred. The ECC directed the Interior, Finance, Petroleum Divisions, and FC Balochistan (South) to finalize the required amount and resubmit it.
In a follow-up meeting on February 6, chaired by the Interior Secretary, the Finance Division clarified that the funds received from the Reko Diq Mining Company as “Support Allowance” were not meant for the salaries of FC personnel.
The Ministry of Interior further explained that FC Balochistan (South) Headquarters in Turbat had stated that the funds received under the Security Services Framework were for miscellaneous expenses and not for FC personnel’s salaries. The current FC Balochistan (South) budget would not be used for security expenses related to the Reko Diq project.
To ensure uninterrupted work on the Reko Diq project, the Finance Division approved the technical supplementary grant of 1.792 billion rupees from the security charges received from the Reko Diq Mining Company. These funds are necessary for the security of foreign personnel working on the project, under Demand No. 062.
