Balochistan drought

Published February 18, 2019

AT the end of last year, the Balochistan home minister announced the results of a province-wide survey undertaken by deputy commissioners in the province. Twenty out of the 33 districts in Pakistan’s largest province were drought-stricken, he said, affecting around 109,000 families. This was not particularly shocking to hear: reports of severe water shortages in Balochistan and Sindh have been published in these pages regularly. Still, it confirmed the worst fears of many. There are already reports of climate-based migration taking place in the ‘resource-rich’ province and other parts of the country, with settled people adopting the way of nomads by moving to different parts of the province. Balochistan’s predominately agriculture- and livestock-dependent economy has taken a severe hit. Groundwater has seeped to dangerously low levels due to the lack of rainfall and there is widespread, unregulated use of tube wells that draw water. Balochistan’s chief minister has announced the setting up of emergency cells and distribution of relief goods on trucks, which is currently under way, but nowhere close to the size and scale required by the emergency situation, as pointed out by opposition members. Most recently, a mission team comprising members from WHO, WFP, International Children’s Emergency Fund and FAO amongst others has assured the provincial government of assistance during these challenging times.

It is important to remember that the drought did not occur overnight. It was 10 years in the making, with the province receiving scant rainfall over the past decade. Fortunately, there has been some light rainfall this month, but policymakers cannot rely on nature’s small blessings. While donor agencies and relief efforts can ease some of the hardships of the people in the short term, one hopes that policymakers are also implementing long-term solutions, and that their words soon turn into actions. The people of Balochistan are dependent on the fulfilment of the government’s promises.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...