DESPITE being rich in resources, such as having a range of minerals, Balochistan stands on the margins of development. The resources extracted from the region have vastly benefited other provinces across the country, but the province itself lags far behind in terms of economic and social development.

In essence, the federal government as well as a bunch of private companies continue to hold their hegemony over resource distribution, leading to inequi-table distribution of resources, and pushing the masses into further economic distress.

Balochistan’s coal, iron ore, copper and gold mines play a significant role in contributing to the national economy. The Sui fields have been supplying the country with natural gas since the 1950s, but a number of areas in Balochistan itself remain deprived of the same commodity. People have to continue with dated and harmful practices to carry out their daily chores. This approach needs a complete overhaul to ensure fairness in resource distribution.

Despite spurts of growth in the national economy, the people in Balochistan continue to suffer from poverty, unemp-loyment and a lack of basic amenities. They only demand a greater control and fair distribution of resources. It is high time the government made sincere efforts to enact policies that may ensure equality and fairness in the distribution of resource to promote sustainable progress and durable security for one and all.

Fiza Ashfaq
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2025