Quetta: In an official statement released to media, the spokesperson for the Baloch National Movement (BNM) warned that foreign companies eyeing Balochistan’s vast mineral wealth should refrain from any deals with Islamabad’s authorities. He emphasized that Balochistan is engaged in an independence struggle and partnerships brokered by “irrelevant” federal bodies are entirely unacceptable to the Baloch nation.
The two‑day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, held in Islamabad on April 8–9, placed Balochistan’s estimated $6 trillion in resources at center stage. Shortly after the forum, Canada’s Barrick Gold Corporation part of the Reko Diq joint venture, approved a new feasibility study, with major construction slated to begin later this year and first production expected by the end of 2028. The BNM spokesperson urged Barrick’s management to abandon these plans and appealed directly to the Canadian government to recognize what he called “colonial behavior” by the mining giant.
He criticized Pakistan’s Army Chief for offering security guarantees that, in the spokesperson’s view, serve only to stifle political dissent and facilitate the “looting” of Balochistan’s resources. He also condemned the Prime Minister’s comment at the forum that “he considers investors as his masters,” calling it a “shameful servility” wholly unbefitting of Pakistan’s leadership.
He said that “The Profits are clearly the only concern of these corporations, while human lives in Balochistan continue to be sacrificed.” He pointed out that delegates from the United States, China, Saudi Arabia and consultancy Wood Mackenzie were also present at the conference, signaling broad international interest in the region’s mines.
Turning to wider regional grievances, the spokesperson noted that Islamabad is likewise seeking to exploit Pakhtunkhwa’s resources through the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 “a blatant attempt to strip the Pashtun nation of its rights.” He voiced full solidarity with Pashtun calls for control over their land.
He further warned that six new canals planned on the Indus River in Sindh, intended for military projects, will worsen water scarcity for Sindhi farmers. “Oppressed nations must unite, or the occupying Pakistani state will continue its divide‑and‑rule tactics peddling our lands and wealth at fire‑sale prices. BNM supports the Sindhi nation’s stance against this plan as well”.
The statement concluded with a firm declaration:“No matter how powerful, any force that threatens the interests of the Baloch nation will be met with resistance”.
