THERE seems to be no end to Balochistan’s water-related woes. Not only is its capital city experiencing some of the worst water shortages, a report in this paper has now shed light on the high levels of contamination in the water being used for growing vegetables there. Facing challenges of a growing population and insufficient infrastructure to support it, high levels of industrial and medical waste find their way into rainwater drains that farmers then use to water their produce — which eventually creeps into the local populace’s diet. But there is limited research and data on the topic. Prof Zahoor Ahmad Bazai from Balochistan University conducted lab tests on seed germination and seedling growth of lettuce from three locations in the city and published a paper on his findings. He claims that farmers pay off the government authorities in order to continue with the unhygienic practice.

On the same day, another report in the paper carried a photograph of the visibly polluted Malir River in Karachi: vegetables were being grown on the banks of the river with sewage water. Sindh only recently inaugurated a province-wide food regulatory authority to maintain quality control, carry out lab tests and enforce the writ of law. But Balochistan does not have a food regulatory body yet, unlike the other provinces. Anecdotal evidence suggests there are also high levels of adulteration in milk, soft drinks, sweets and cooking oil. Yet these ill practices continue with no checks and balances. It is said time and again that Balochistan is the most neglected province, to the point it seems to have become a complacently accepted reality. Where is the will of the provincial and federal ministers to change that? Where are the agitation and organisation and vision to improve? The prime minister of Pakistan has always placed health and health infrastructure high on his list of priorities — even before the general elections. The creation of a food inspection body in Balochistan is the need of the hour.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2019