MASSIVE POTENTIAL: There is a misperception that Balochistan is a barren stretch of land. The fact is that most of the developed land in Balochistan is arable, covering 1,850sqkm, while the cultivated land area is merely 167sqkm. Kech stands out as one of the most arable districts in the province. Date farming is currently the most common agriculture practice, but there was a time when rice used to be a major crop. Diminishing rainfall and lack of alternative irrigation sources led to its decline. Following the inauguration of Mirani Dam, barren stretches of land have now been contributing to the economy, with crops like cotton, rice, mustard plants, watermelon and others. The provincial authorities need to invest in the sector to harness the true potential of Balochistan.

Munaeza Nasir
Turbat

CRIMES IN LARKANA: Robberies, theft and street crimes in Larkana have escalated to an alarming extent. Recently, three armed robbers killed a shopkeeper during a robbery attempt. A few days later, another boy was mercilessly killed by criminals as he tried to resist their attempt to snatch his bike. Such incidents have raised the level of fear in the local population. The locals avoid going outside after sunset and are afraid to run their businesses. The police force has failed to protect citizens’ life and property. The authorities concerned should take immediate and necessary action to provide safety and a sense of security to the innocent people of Larkana.

G. Akbar Palijo
Larkana

POLITICIANS’ APATHY: The news of the recent killing of nine Pakistani labourers in Iran was shocking. What was, and is, more disheartening is the apathy of the political parties who failed to utter a single word of condemnation from any political party even when they were busy wooing voters ahead of the recent elections. The government should pay adequate compensation to the bereaved families, and make arrangements for the education of the children of the deceased.

Qamer Soomro
Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2024