THIS is apropos of the letter ‘Gwadar port: jobs for locals’ ( March 2). Undoubtedly, the transfer of the operation of Gwadar port to China is a ray of hope for a better economy of the country.

But, unfortunately, the involvement of the Baloch was not considered in the decision by the federal government. Be it Saindak project, Reko Diq project or Gwadar port, the local Baloch have always been deprived of their benefits.

Balochistan is rich in natural resources and possesses the potential to boost the GDP of the province. But 80 per cent of the Baloch live under the poverty line.

The transfer of Gwadar port to China is a good decision for the Baloch which can reduce their woes. The Baloch hope that they would be given their due share of jobs and benefits in Gwadar port and other projects which can eliminate their sense of deprivation.

SHIREEN HASHIM     Kech

Opinion

Editorial

Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...
Ties with Tehran
Updated 24 Apr, 2024

Ties with Tehran

Tomorrow, if ties between Washington and Beijing nosedive, and the US asks Pakistan to reconsider CPEC, will we comply?
Working together
24 Apr, 2024

Working together

PAKISTAN’S democracy seems adrift, and no one understands this better than our politicians. The system has gone...
Farmers’ anxiety
24 Apr, 2024

Farmers’ anxiety

WHEAT prices in Punjab have plummeted far below the minimum support price owing to a bumper harvest, reckless...