BALOCHISTAN is resourceful in terms of natural resources but impoverished in regard to progress which is a matter of grave concern. No doubt it is known as the ‘gold bird’ of Pakistan like Hindustan was called during the days of the Mughals.

Moreover, the Baloch have been observing that every successive government of Pakistan has kept Balochistan backwards and extended apologies to the people.

Some massive issues are the product of cruelty by the various governments such as deprivation of natural resources, kidnappings, targeted killings, disappearances and unemployment which have caused the Baloch to opt for resistance.The situation in Balochistan looks like a military-occupied zone. It is estimated that more than 1,000 men and more than 200 women are missing. The saddest part is that no one knows whether they are alive or dead. Their families are restless about getting them back for which they sometimes go on a hunger strike and at other times start protesting on the street.

The share of Balochistan from the Saindak project is hardly two per cent. It shows that the people of Balochistan remain highly deprived. The worst part is that they are not being given their constitutional rights.

It would be in the best interest of everyone if peace is restored to Balochistan as soon as possible.

MAHAN ABBASTurbat