QUETTA: The World Bank is likely to provide technical support to Pakistan for an integrated infrastructure and development plan for the Reko Diq project and other mining sites in Balochistan.
The Express Tribune, citing sources, reported that a World Bank representative gave consent for this support during a recent meeting of the Non-Lending Technical Assistance Committee (NLTAC) at the Economic Affairs Ministry.
The Economic Affairs Secretary chaired the meeting. The Petroleum Division had submitted the proposal for World Bank assistance.
During the meeting, the Petroleum Secretary stressed the need to focus on community development, better infrastructure, and environmental protection in mining projects.
Officials said the technical assistance will cover all stages of mining—from exploration to closure. The goal is to support sustainable and responsible growth in the mining sector.
The World Bank clarified it would provide the assistance at no cost to the Pakistani government. However, once the plans are ready, future development work could be funded by the World Bank or private investors, based on government rules.
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The committee also agreed with the Planning Ministry’s proposal to hire a consultancy firm. The Petroleum Division will now finalise the concept paper and terms of reference. The NLTAC will forward the request for technical help to the World Bank.
