
Pakistan secures $700m loan for Reko Diq
This approval, granted during a board meeting in Washington, is a significant diplomatic victory for Pakistan and a major setback for India, which had actively lobbied against the funding.
As a result of this approval, the private sector is expected to invest $2.5 billion in the Reko Diq project, one of Pakistan's most important initiatives. The success in securing this loan is a testament to the effective diplomatic efforts of Pakistan, especially in light of opposition from India.
Dr Tauqeer Hussain Shah, advisor to the prime minister, played a key role in this achievement. He spearheaded efforts at the World Bank, successfully lobbying for the loan. His contributions were instrumental in securing this approval, marking a major milestone in the success of the Reko Diq project.
This loan approval strengthens Pakistan's economic position and highlights its successful diplomatic maneuvering in securing vital investments for the nation's future. The backing of this large-scale project is particularly significant in light of regional geopolitical tensions, with India actively seeking to block the project's financing.
With this decision, Pakistan has taken a crucial step forward in securing the success of the Reko Diq project, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the country's resource development sector.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Sri Lankan shares log weekly gain
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan shares climbed on Friday, buoyed by the island nation's central bank forecasting 4.5% economic growth this year, to finish the week in positive territory. The CSE All-Share index settled up 1.45% at 20,218.36, gaining 1.98% for the week. The central bank, in its monetary policy report, projected the economy would grow 4.5% in 2025, above the World Bank's 3.5% forecast. It warned, however, of risks from external demand and recent US tariffs. SMB Finance PLC and Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) PLC were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All-Share index, rising 33.3% and 25%, respectively. Trading volume on the index rose to 332.4 million shares from 267.3 million in the previous session.


Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Sri Lankan shares log weekly gain after central bank's 2025 growth outlook
Sri Lankan shares climbed on Friday, buoyed by the island nation's central bank forecasting 4.5% economic growth this year, to finish the week in positive territory. The CSE All-Share index settled up 1.45% at 20,218.36, gaining 1.98% for the week. The central bank, in its monetary policy report, projected the economy would grow 4.5% in 2025, above the World Bank's 3.5% forecast. It warned, however, of risks from external demand and recent U.S. tariffs. SMB Finance PLC and Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) PLC were the top percentage gainers on the CSE All-Share index, rising 33.3% and 25%, respectively. Trading volume on the index rose to 332.4 million shares from 267.3 million in the previous session. Sri Lankan shares end flat as industrial stocks counter gains in communication, health The equity market's turnover rose to 9.54 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($31.70 million) from 7.07 billion rupees in the previous session, according to exchange data. Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 208.5 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 9.35 billion rupees, the data showed.


Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
US eyes investment in Pak critical minerals
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington looked forward to exploring cooperation with Pakistan on critical minerals and hydrocarbons, with his comments coming in a statement issued by the State Department on Pakistan's Independence Day. Washington and Islamabad hailed a trade deal last month, which Pakistan said would result in lower tariffs and increased investment. Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has said Islamabad will offer US businesses opportunities to invest in mining projects primarily in Balochistan through joint ventures with local companies, providing concessions such as lease grants. The province is home to key mining projects, including Reko Diq, run by mining firm Barrick Gold, opens new tab and believed to be one of the world's largest gold and copper mines. "We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships," Rubio said late on Wednesday. "The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan's engagement on counterterrorism and trade." Before President Donald Trump's administration, Islamabad's relationship with Washington had cooled in recent years, as the US drew closer to Pakistan's traditional adversary India to counter China's rise, among other factors. Washington also resented Islamabad over Afghanistan, especially under former President Joe Biden's administration, which oversaw a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the takeover of the country by the Taliban insurgency that Washington accused Islamabad of backing. Pakistan denied the charge. In recent months, Washington's ties with Islamabad have improved. Trump took credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the Asian neighbors engaged in hostilities in May following an April attack in IIOJK.