Provincial govt redesigning entire security architecture, says CM Bugti’s aide Shahid Rind

Bureau Report

KARACHI: Pakistan has decided to boost its intelligence network and raise a special force to guard the mineral-rich Balochistan province and its borders with Iran and Afghanistan, a provincial government official said.

The development, comes days after Canadian giant Barrick Mining Corporation said it planned to “immediately” begin a comprehensive review of all aspects of the multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan.

Barrick’s decision followed coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorist group in several districts across Balochistan last Saturday that killed 36 civilians and 22 security personnel. Authorities said they had killed 216 militants in follow-up operations.

“In light of the terrorists events, the provincial government in tandem with security forces is redesigning the entire security architecture,” Shahid Rind, an aide to Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti for media and political affairs, told the Arab News.

“This includes raising a dedicated Frontier Corps for the mineral-bearing area, securing both borders, i.e., Iran and Afghanistan.”

Arab News reached out to Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, but he did not respond to questions seeking comment on the matter.

The Balochistan government will also beef up its intelligence network and work closely with mining companies in the region.

“The Balochistan government is extremely serious about foreign investment in the province and considers Reko Diq as the flag-bearer of foreign investment,” Rind said.“The provincial government will do whatever is necessary to maintain that.”

The recent attacks have apparently alarmed international investors, especially Barrick, which is developing one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines in Balochistan.”As we stated in our public documents, Barrick is undertaking a review of all aspects of the Reko Diq project, including with respect to the project’s security arrangements, development timetable and capital budget,” a Barrick spokesperson said in response to an Arab News email.

Barrick’s February 5 statement underscores both the progress and the challenges surrounding the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan. The company confirmed that site works advanced during the fourth quarter, but rising security incidents in the province have prompted management to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the project. Barrick owns 50% of Reko Diq, while three Pakistani federal state-owned enterprises hold 25% and the Balochistan government controls the remaining 25%, making it a joint venture that blends foreign expertise with local ownership. Production is expected to begin in 2028, and the project is seen as central to Pakistan’s ambitions of boosting mineral exports and attracting foreign investment into its underdeveloped mining sector. Despite heightened threats in Balochistan, development linked to Reko Diq continues elsewhere in the country, with Barrick preparing to invest in port infrastructure to support future exports. This combination of progress, risk management, and strategic investment highlights the project’s potential to transform Pakistan’s mining industry while also revealing the delicate balance between opportunity and security.