EDITORIAL: That Baluchistan’s transition to democracy should have been beset with difficulties is understandable. The region … has since the British conquest deliberately been kept in a state not far removed from primeval backwardness. Even after the establishment of Pakistan there was no real political progress and little change in the socio-economic structure. The Quetta Municipality was the nearest approach that Baluchistan was allowed to make towards democratic institutions; and the Central authorities considered it expedient to rule through fiat, approved by the tribal notables. … The vast wealth with which nature has endowed the Province has largely remained untapped. …

With the end of dictatorial rule, and the establishment of a democratic regime in Pakistan, Baluchistan has taken a big leap forward, by the establishment of a Provincial Government. … This … has been unpalatable to the representatives of … vested interests who have regarded themselves as the lords of the land. … Every sensible step taken by the Government has been opposed, whether it was the abolition of Sardari, or measures to stop smuggling. … It is particularly unfortunate that some persons who breathe eternal fealty to the Pakistan Government have joined … the vested interests.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2022