THIS is with reference to the report ‘Premier, army chief call for talks, uplift in Balochistan’ (Aug 22). Balochistan’s geographical location, coastline, proximity to the sea, and deposits of natural resources give it quite a few advantages, but it continues to struggle with terrorism, unemployment, illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic healthcare and other public services.
There is something that is preventing Balochistan from converting its potential into sustainable development. There is a lot of discussion going on these days about dividing Balochistan into smaller administrative units. Such a division may, under certain circumstances, improve accessibility and make governance easier. However, creating new administrative boundaries without first strengthening institutions, improving public services and developing human capital would simply reproduce the same governance problems. What Balochistan seems to need for years is effective devolution and local governance.
Decision-making should be brought closer to the people, while local institutions should be given the capacity and resources necessary to deliver services. Citizens in remote districts should not have to depend entirely on distant provincial institutions for basic education, healthcare, infrastructure and municipal services.
Among all the development priorities, education should be treated as one of the most powerful instruments for transfor- ming Balochistan. Federal and provincial governments should go for much greater investments in schools, teachers, vocational training, universities and technical education. Young people need opportunities to acquire skills that would allow them to participate in both the provincial and national economy.
Healthcare requires similar attention. Hospitals, basic health units, medicines, doctors and trained medical staff need to be made more accessible, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Another fundamental challenge is that of security. A sustainable solution requires more than a military response. Economic opportunities, education, public trust and effective governance really have to be essential components to ensure long-term stability.
Yet another challenge is the emergence of narratives that create divisions on the basis of province, ethnicity or identity. National unity becomes stronger only when all citizens are treated equally and their voices matter in governance. The state and society must promote both national unity and inclusive governance. Unity cannot simply be a slogan; it must be supported by equal opportunities, fair access to public services, political parti- cipation and effective institutions.
Ultimately, Balochistan’s challenge is not that of a lack of potential. The province possesses enormous natural wealth, a strategically important coastline, a key seaport and a young population with significant potential. The challenge is how to convert these assets into inclusive and sustainable development. Administrative division may be part of the discussion, but it should not be presented as a magical solution.
The future of Balochistan depends on how effectively its institutions respond to the needs of its people. If the province’s resources are managed transparently, public services are improved, local communities are empowered, and young people are given meaningful opportunities, Balochistan can move from being viewed primarily as a crisis to becoming a major contributor to Pakistan’s economic future.
Israr Ullah Khattak
Islamabad
Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2026
