The Reko Diq Fiasco and the Politics of Agreements in Baluchistan
Reko Diq provides an exciting cocktail of big money, hunger for resources, real politics, and local aspirations, coupled with the feudal system and the bureaucracy. The recent fine of around US$ 6 billion imposed upon Pakistan by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID, one of five organizations of the World Bank Group) will keep providing good headlines!
In this session, Dr. Shaukat Hameed Khan briefly discussed the technical and financial aspects of the production chain of the Reko Diq project and identified key factors behind the cancellation of the original agreement with TCC (Tethyan Copper Company) in 2010. Also, the new Agreement with Barrick Gold had been examined.
About the Speaker
Dr. Shaukat Hameed Khan started the laser program in Pakistan. His post graduate studies were in laser produced plasma and ultrafast high voltage switches. He has worked mainly at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, apart for a short stint at CERN Geneva, where 40 Pakistani designed and manufactured laser systems are now installed. On retirement in 2005 he joined the Planning Commission as Member (Science & Technology), where he directed the “Vision 2030” foresight paper, before becoming Rector of GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences & Technology. His last position was as Coordinator General of COMSTECH (OIC Ministerial Committee on S&T), which prepared the 10 Year S&T Plan for the Muslim countries. He is a strong advocate for encouraging quality, curiosity, and irreverence in Pakistani education system and sustainable development through skills and education.