ISLAMABAD | Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has assured domestic and foreign investors of comprehensive security, one-window facilities and a business-friendly environment, saying the provincial government will remove unnecessary administrative hurdles to attract investment in the province’s mineral and energy sectors.
Chief minister announces special security arrangements for mineral corridor, expects Reko Diq project to begin operations by 2029 and signals potential major oil and gas discoveries in Saroona
Addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 in Islamabad on Thursday, Bugti said the provincial government, in coordination with federal authorities and local communities, was committed to protecting investors and facilitating development projects.
He said Balochistan was rich not only in natural resources but also in the traditions of hospitality, tolerance and trustworthiness of its people.
Referring to the Reko Diq mining project, the chief minister recalled that a camp belonging to Barrick had remained unattended for more than a decade without security guards. When company representatives returned, he claimed, not even a T-shirt or teacup was missing.
He described the incident as an example of the honesty and hospitality of Balochistan’s people and urged investors to assess the province through firsthand experience rather than negative perceptions.
Special Security Arrangements for Mineral Corridor
Bugti announced that a separate security division had been established to protect the mineral corridor, while a new Frontier Corps wing was being formed to strengthen security around mining projects and investment sites.
He said maintaining peace and protecting economic activities remained joint priorities of the federal and provincial governments.
The chief minister maintained that the gap between Balochistan’s security image and conditions on the ground was a major challenge to attracting investment.
He emphasized that local communities must be involved in development initiatives to ensure lasting economic benefits and public confidence.
Reko Diq Operations Expected by 2029
Highlighting the province’s mineral potential, Bugti said the Reko Diq project was expected to begin operations by 2029 and could create significant opportunities for employment, industrial development and economic growth.
He said the government wanted to work with investors as a genuine development partner rather than merely acting as a regulatory authority.
Major Oil and Gas Discovery Expected in Saroona
The chief minister also expressed optimism about potential oil and gas discoveries in Saroona , saying encouraging developments could emerge within the next few months.
He claimed preliminary information suggested that the area’s potential reserves could exceed the historic gas reserves of Sui.
However, no independently verified reserve estimates or commercial production schedule were provided. Bugti said Sui’s gas resources had supported Pakistan’s energy needs for more than seven decades, adding that new discoveries could strengthen the country’s energy security and economic development.
Fertilizer City Planned in Sui
The chief minister said the provincial government, in cooperation with federal authorities, was planning to establish a fertilizer city in Sui.
He explained that low-BTU gas available in the area could be utilized for industrial and agricultural development, creating investment opportunities in fertilizer production and related industries.
He invited investors to explore opportunities in the proposed fertilizer city and other mineral, energy and industrial projects across Balochistan.
One-Window Investment Facilities Promised
Bugti assured investors that the government would introduce one-window facilities to simplify administrative procedures and reduce bureaucratic delays.
He said investors should not have to visit multiple government departments or face unnecessary obstacles while establishing businesses in the province. The chief minister also highlighted the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act, saying its approval by the provincial assembly reflected political consensus on creating a clearer legal framework for mineral investment.
He maintained that the legislation was intended to improve transparency, facilitate investors and align provincial mining regulations with the broader national policy framework.
Urging domestic and international investors to visit Balochistan, meet local communities and assess business opportunities firsthand, Bugti said the government was determined to turn the province’s natural resources into sustainable economic growth, industrial development and employment.
He emphasized that investment partnerships should deliver tangible benefits to the people of Balochistan while contributing to Pakistan’s broader economic progress.
